THE bosses are on the buses. Managers at First are taking the wheel to fill in during a staffing shortage.

Although the lack of drivers is a concern, First's managers have rolled up up their sleeves and got stuck in. Few boardrooms boast executives with the expertise and the commitment to go "back to the floor" at a moment's notice.

This should be good for First. Bosses will encounter the problems faced by drivers at first hand, experience that can be put to good use when they are back in the company's driving seat.

Updated: 10:30 Tuesday, August 13, 2002