Kary-Ann McGregor has been honoured as the FlixBus UK Driver of the Year 2023.
Kary-Ann, a driver for McGill’s Bus Group, has been recognised for her exceptional service, marked by the highest driver star ratings within the FlixBus network in the UK. It marks the second year running that a McGill’s driver has taken home the accolade.
At 56, Kary-Ann, from Dundee, Scotland, has also emerged as an inspiration for women considering a foray into coach driving. She embarked on her journey with FlixBus coach services in 2023 after obtaining her bus driving licence in 2007.
“I am buzzing!” she says. “I couldn’t believe it when I was told I was the top driver for FlixBus, but I hope it proves that women can go out and achieve anything.”
The accolade also shines a light on broader implications for diversity and inclusion within the industry. Hayley Russell, Teams Lead for Operations at FlixBus, remarks on the significance of Kary-Ann’s achievement, noting her role as an exemplary figure for women in the sector: “This year I was especially pleased to see someone who is a wonderful role model to women in coach and bus, and we hope Kary-Ann’s success encourages more women into the industry.”
Echoing the sentiment, Alex Hornby, Group Managing Director at McGill’s, underscores the inclusive recruitment ethos of the company, spurred by Kary-Ann’s success: “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.”
In parallel, FlixBus extended recognition to Julian Totterdell of Berry’s Coaches with a ‘highly commended’ accolade, celebrating his rapport and engagement with passengers.
“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,” adds Hayley. “We will continue to champion those outstanding individuals like Kary-Ann and Julian who are the face of our brand.”
