Bus Driver of the Year - Open for entries

The annual search for the UK’s top bus driver starts this week with the invitation for operators to participate in the National Final of the annual Bus Driver of the Year (BDoY) competition.

As preparations start for this year’s Bus Driver of the Year (BDoY) competition, the organisers welcome two new members. Gerallt Evans, Traffic Commissioner for the North West of England, strengthens the team, while Amanda Thompson, First Cymru Recruitment and Training Manager, becomes a director replacing stalwart Bryan Constable who steps down after more than 35 years, latterly as Vice President.

Mr Evans said: “The Traffic Commissioners are pleased to be able to recognise and celebrate the good practice of Britain’s bus drivers. Bus drivers provide a vital service for a significant part of the population but often seem overlooked. These awards showcase the important role they play.”

BDoY Chairman Joe Mackie said: “The National Final enables drivers to display their skills while affording them the chance to win valuable prizes and claim the accolade of 'UK Bus Driver of the Year'.

Last year’s winner of the Bus Driver of the Year accolade, Michael Evans of Stagecoach South Wales, said: “As a first-time competitor at BDoY, I didn’t know what to expect, but what an experience it has been. The atmosphere around the hotel was electric all weekend with a buzz of excitement from the gathering of like-mined people, sharing tales from behind the wheel and life in the bus lane.”

Entry for the BDoY National Final opens his week with bus operators invited to apply. At this stage, companies need only decide the number of drivers they wish to enter and will be asked to pay the entry fee. They will then receive an information pack to enable them to proceed with selection of their best drivers.

Having recovered strongly in 2022 after the hiatus caused by the Covid pandemic, high demand for the limited places in the National Final is anticipated. Companies are, therefore, urged not to delay in submitting their applications, which must in any event be received no later than mid-May.

BDoY seeks to reward full-time drivers who exercise their skills throughout the year, and it is therefore also a requirement that a driver works at least three full shifts per week to qualify for entry to the competition.

The National Final takes place in Blackpool on 3rd September, headquartered at The Imperial Hotel.