Bus Driver of the Year 2021 cancelled

Organisers of the Bus Driver of the Year (BDoY) competition have cancelled the event for the second year in succession. However, a date for 2022 is confirmed.

The Covid-19 pandemic meant the 2020 National Final could not go ahead and the ongoing uncertainty regarding social distancing together with the challenges faced by the industry has resulted in the 2021 event scheduled for 6 September also being called off.

At a recent Zoom meeting the BDoY Council confirmed 11 September 2022 as the date for the next National Final, which will be based at the Imperial Hotel, Blackpool.

BDoY Chairman, Joe Mackie, said: “Although we planned to hold the event in 2021, the devastating consequences of the pandemic have combined to present too much uncertainty for an event that not only attracts 500 people to a dinner and results presentation but requires regional heats to be held at a time when operators are battling to come to terms with unpredictable staff absences, changing travel patterns and the National Bus Strategy.

“Bus companies need all their management energies and cash reserves to rebuild healthy businesses.

“If we were to promote an event this Autumn it would inevitably be a shadow of its former self. It is far better to aim for a strong professional relaunch in 2022.”