The son of the winner of the inaugural Bus Driver of the Year competition in 1967 will take part in this year’s competition, organisers have announced.
Tony Moore, who works for National Express Coventry, is the son of Anthony Moore (pictured), who claimed the title in the competition’s first year of 1967 and then again the following year.
Mr Moore Sr at that time worked for Coventry City Transport, which was a predecessor to National Express’s operations in the city. He also accumulated several medals for safe driving, having spent three years as a conductor before becoming a driver for 33 more. Mr Moore Sr died on 7 March.
His son Tony also records 33 years’ service this year. He has decided to enter the 2026 Bus Driver of the Year competition in tribute to his father. First, Mr Moore Jr will need to progress through the initial rounds at National Express Coventry ahead of qualifying for the National Final in Blackpool.
Discovery of the family link was by National Express Coventry Driver Training Officer Darren Dunbar and another staff member when browsing a list of past winners on the Bus Driver of the Year website. Mr Dunbar himself is a former competitor, having achieved a fifth place finish in 2010. More recently he has been involved as a marshal.
Entries remain open for the National Final, Competition Secretary Paul MacKay advises. At the time of writing, 88 drivers from 35 operators had been put forward for the Blackpool event, but time remains for more to join them ahead of the 30 April deadline. Entries can be made via the competition website.
