Greater Glasgow

Glasgow guys aim for Bus Driver of the Year

Drivers from the city's biggest bus operator, First in Glasgow, will be putting their driving and customer care skills to the test this weekend as they compete for the coveted title of Bus Driver of the Year.

Derek Brown (56) from First's Overtown depot and Paul Atkin (43) from Blantyre depot were selected following an internal competition to find Glasgow's best bus driver earlier this year and will now take on the rest of the UK at the prestigious finals event in Blackpool.

Established in 1967, Bus Driver of the Year attracts the top 120 drivers from across the country who are judged on the standards they show in areas such as dress code, customer care, general driving style, and how and where to stop at bus stops.

The competition includes both theory and practical tests and the top prize, awarded to the 2009 Bus Driver of the Year, is worth £1500. The runner-up receives an award worth £1000 while third, fourth and fifth places receive £750, £500 and £250 respectively.

There are also prizes for the best Highway Code result, best driver knowledge test result, best newcomer and for the competitor who has participated in the most consecutive national finals.

In addition, the top ten National Finalists receive automatic entry for the 'Chris Moyes Memorial Award for Customer Service' at the UK Bus Awards in November. This award is especially designed to recognise, reward and inspire customer-facing staff in the bus and coach industry, including drivers, enquiry office staff and on-road supervisors.

Derek and Paul will head off to Blackpool tomorrow and are looking forward to representing First at the event.

Ronnie Park, Deputy Managing Director with First in Glasgow, said: "I am delighted two of our drivers have made it to the finals and I wish them both the best of luck. Derek and Paul have already shown that they have what it takes by coming out on top in our local competition and I'm sure they will perform just as well in Blackpool.

"Our drivers are the heart and soul of our business and Derek and Paul are terrific examples of the quality of the drivers working across our network to deliver an excellent service to our passengers across Greater Glasgow and the surrounding areas.

"There is no doubt in my mind that they deserve to be Bus Drivers of the Year."

As well as Derek and Paul, a number of other drivers picked up awards at the local Bus Driver of the Year heat in Glasgow including Raymond McCreath, Marian Leary and Maciej Zaranek.