Bus Driver of the Year finals approaching

Competitors in the UK Bus Driver of the Year (UKBDoY) are soon to descend upon Blackpool for the competition’s finals.

The 57th edition of the finals takes place in Blackpool on Sunday 14 September. A total of 101 competitors from 28 operators are challenging for the coveted title of Bus Driver of the Year, which was won last year by Thomas Gilhooley of Lothian East Coast Buses.

“Some are hoping to regain the top spot, others with the objective of doing better than previously and all hoping to win the coveted title” – Joe Mackie, Chairman of The UK Bus Driver of the Year Association

Joe Mackie, Chairman of The UK Bus Driver of the Year Association, which organises the competition, said: “Of the 101 entrants 30% are competing in the National Final for the first time. Some are hoping to regain the top spot, others with the objective of doing better than previously and all hoping to win the coveted title.

“A huge ‘thank you’ to bus companies, staff and sponsors for supporting the Competition.”

The entrants in the National Final are the nominated winners from each of the Qualifying Competitions at Local Level.

Finalists must consider themselves as working for BDoY’s imaginary Middle Walk Bus Company, which aspires to reflect both the bus industry’s best practices and current DVSA requirements.

The company makes available, to marshals and competitors, details of its policies and required driving standards.

Items covered include pre-service vehicle checks, driving style and practices, required positioning at bus stops (door opening relative to bus stop post and entrance step relative to pavement edge), standards of dress and refraining from smoking during stand time.

All National Finalists and Competition Officials must undertake a breathalyser test.

Drivers start their test from the Middle Walk Bus Station and drive a simulated route which may include any of the hazards normally met during the working day, such as parked cars, bus stops and speed checks. The driving test is completed by the contestants on both private and public roads in full compliance with the Highway Code.

As in ordinary operations drivers must keep to schedule. Each competitor will receive an individual schedule at the commencement of the test.