Kary-Ann McGregor has been named the FlixBus UK Driver of Year 2023.

Driving services with FlixBus’ Scottish partner McGill’s Bus Group, Kary-Ann has achieved the best-rated service at FlixBus in the UK, scooping the award for her friendly and professional approach to customers.

From Dundee, Kary-Ann passed her bus driving test in 2007, and began driving FlixBus coach services in 2023.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was told I was the top driver for FlixBus, but I hope it proves that women go out and achieve anything” – Kary-Ann McGregor

Kary-Ann said: “I am buzzing! I couldn’t believe it when I was told I was the top driver for FlixBus, but I hope it proves that women go out and achieve anything.”

With three grown-up sons Ian, John and Cameron with husband Ged, plus grandchildren Chloe and Leon, Kary-Ann says that driving is a fantastic job that she returned to after having a family. After encouragement from friends David Gardner, Merrick Baird and Alan Wilson, the driver came back to the depot where she started her career.

Hayley Russell, Teams Lead for Operations at FlixBus, said: “I really look forward to seeing the final results of our driver ratings and it’s been so fantastic to read the feedback and customer comments.

“This year I was especially pleased to see someone who is a wonderful role model to women in bus and coach, and we hope Kary-Ann’s success encourages more women into the industry.”

“We’re so proud that a McGill’s driver has won this award for the second year in a row” – Alex Hornby, Group Managing Director at McGill’s

Alex Hornby, Group Managing Director at McGill’s, said: “We’re so proud that a McGill’s driver has won this award for the second year in a row, and Kary-Ann has done exceptionally well. We’re currently recruiting and we hope to attract anyone – whatever their gender or background – into new coach driving roles.”

Highly commended

FlixBus also presented a ‘highly commended’ award to Berry’s Coaches driver Julian Totterdell.

The 55-year-old from Tiverton in Devon received a huge number of comments from customers over the year, often mentioning him as funny, understanding and informative.

“I try to remain sensitive and gentle to every customer I meet” – Berry’s Coaches driver Julian Totterdell

Julian said: “I always try to keep passengers informed – even if the roads are busy, this helps to keep them feeling included. I try to remain sensitive and gentle to every customer I meet.

“I would encourage anyone to try to this job, driving coaches is my absolute favourite, of any vehicle I’ve tried, and the work offers such a variety of experience.”

Berry’s Operations Manager, Sam Moloney, said: “JT, as he is known, has made everyone here incredibly proud. He never stops seeking ways to make passengers’ journeys better and more enjoyable.”

Hayley added: “We’re delighted to see that even with the phenomenal network growth for FlixBus in the past year, drivers continue to go above and beyond. We will continue to champion those outstanding individuals like Kary-Ann and Julian who are the face of our brand.”