London
Bus Drivers, Winston Dottin & Victor Griffith, Honoured by Transport for London
Two bus drivers from First’s London companies picked up top awards at the London Bus, Tram and Dial-a-Ride Awards ceremony on 5th February. Winston Dottin who works at Willesden Junction depot and Victor Griffith from Westbourne Park depot, both received awards from David Brown, Managing Director Surface Transport, for their Contribution to the London Bus Industry. The awards celebrate the achievements of individuals working in the bus industry and say ‘thanks’ for the hard work of the previous year.
Winston, who came to London from Barbados, has worked in the bus industry since 1971. Despite working full time as a bus driver Winston gives up much of his holiday each year to seek sponsorship and business support for the Notting Hill Carnival. In September 2007, he co-ordinated and organised a massively successful service of thanksgiving at Christ Church and St Stephen, Battersea to celebrate Transport for London’s 51st anniversary of Direct recruitment from the Caribbean. His ‘passionate enthusiasm and selfless commitment to service’ has been commented on by his managers.
Victor was also born in Barbados and was directly recruited by London Transport in 1962 to work as a bus conductor. He was promoted to driver in 1975 and driver/operator in 1988. Victor is the most senior driver at First’s largest bus depot in London.
He has 39 years safe driving and an excellent attendance record. Over the past eight years he has also been a Buddy driver helping train and coach new staff. He intends to retire later this month after 45 years and his long career of first class service make him a worthy winner of the award.
Adrian Jones, Managing Director of First’s bus operations in London and Berkshire said:
"I am very proud that we have two winners this year. Both of these awards are well deserved and I am delighted that Winston and Victor have been recognised for their hard work and professionalism over very many years. I would like to congratulate them on these awards."
Winston and Victor won two of six Contribution to the London Bus Industry Awards. This adds to an excellent run of awards for staff working for First’s London companies. In November 2007 at the UK Bus Awards Michael Steward, Planning Manager, received the award for Services to the Bus Industry and Alan Bwye, formerly Westbourne Park Engineering Manager, received the award for Industry Person of the Year.
