Operating a vehicle from five in the morning until ten in the evening

Operating a vehicle from five in the morning until ten in the evening

Unfiltered, Uncensored Journey Through the Slambekov Family's Driving Legacy

The Slambekovs have been manning the wheel for about seven decades. Grandpa Saylauhan kicked off this dynasty, handed the reigns down to his son Mukhtar, and now the duo rides alongside their grandson Dias at Bus Park No. 1 in the capital city.

Mukhtar Slambekov, hailing from Taldykorgan, speaks candidly about his occupation: he started out with a tractor, transitioned to a truck, eventually finding his way behind the bus wheel. Driving celebrates more than speed and routes for him; it's an integral part of life. Mukhtar-aga's pop, Saylauhan, was quite the tractor driving legend in his day, clocking around 25-30 years on the job.

This old-timer boasts a whopping 30-year career history since 2019 at Astana's bus park. His routes are as common as the morning cup of joe, but for a driver, it's the daily folk encounters that matter most.

"Most days are pretty smooth, nothing too wild, but I remember this time when a passenger got a seizure," he shares, "It's essential to keep our eyes peeled and lend a hand when needed. We've been trained in first aid, after all."

Navigating the city's streets for the disabled sets the route apart from the ordinary bustle. GPS beeping, electricity-fueled wheelchairs zip aboard swiftly, making the city more accessible by the minute.

However, the job isn't always glowin' gravy. Tough moments include battling fatigue and dealing with passengers trying to scam. "We end up serving as psychologists," Mukhtar admits, "We pick up on who's gonna pay and who isn't, then we strategize accordingly."

Mukhtar's reputation as a patient professional precedes him, courtesy of his plowing job. Patience is a virtue; it teaches you to discard emotions, even when passengers board with a foul mood.

Young buck Dias, the family's freshest driver, began his motoring story in Taldykorgan in 2004, at a mere 14-year-old during his 8th-grade school year.

"Back then, we didn't have a clue. We'd just hop on that Gazelle and motor our way through town, having no experience under our belt," Diaz chuckles. Since then, he's spent the better part of his life behind the wheel. In 9th grade, still donning that school uniform, he embarked on his first evening trips.

Mom entertained his childhood escapade with Gazelles: waving their hands to hop on, nudging the ramp down. Good times, indeed. But, after turning 18, the games ceased; papers, permits, and a whole new driving journey commenced.

Diaz now boasts 17 years of on-the-road lessons. Since 2022, he's been a part of the team at the bus park. When he first set foot in Astana in 2014, he worked on route 109, cruising along on smaller "counties," who shared Gazelles' spacious spirit. He credits that gig for his excellent learning curve.

Astana provided a proper driving education: navigating passengers, providing first aid, and even handling stress in high-pressure situations.

Pitfalls along the path? Undoubtedly, private parks have presented their own unique set of challenges, Diaz shares. Mechanical issues and breakdowns, especially in the winter, made life miserable. But, as times have changed, buses these days are a whole new breed, with fewer breakdowns and better technology.

As for dealing with passengers, well, Diaz breaks it down. "People are as different as snowflakes, some polite and friendly, while others aren't necessarily in a good mood," he muses. Never one to engage in heated exchanges, Diaz learns to steer clear of conflict and instead provides helpful tips when asked, such as directions and station transfers. Hypocritical drivers have long claimed the roads as their own territory, but in Astana, passengers respect the bus, yielding and giving way. Colleagues also share a brotherhood, with solidarity extended through signals and an understanding of downtime. Uniforms, bonuses, and fair pay seal the deal. But, according to Diaz, the secret to contentment lies in love for the job. Drive? He'd clock in with a smile every day.

1. The Slambekov family's driving legacy stretches across various industries, including transportation and automotive, as they maneuver through the bustling world of business and careers.
2. Mukhtar Slambekov's career development began with a tractor in the transportation industry, eventually leading him to drive buses in the city's bus park, a role that substantially contributes to his family's driving legacy.
3. Education and self-development play a crucial role in the Slambekovs' life, as evidenced by Dias, the youngest family member, who started driving at 14 and continued his education while honing his skills behind the wheel.
4. Careers in the transportation industry offer a wide range of challenges, from handling first-aid situations and fatigue to dealing with scamming passengers and troubleshooting mechanical issues.
5. Despite the occasional setbacks, job-search platforms may reveal rewarding opportunities in the transportation industry, from navigating the city's streets for the disabled to providing essential services and building a fulfilling career within a supportive team.

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