The Bus Driver of the Year competition for 2021 – with the National Final to have been held in Blackpool on 6 September – has been cancelled. The decision was made because of ongoing uncertainty around social distancing and the continuing challenges that are being faced by the industry, organisers say.
However, they have confirmed that date for next year’s National Final. It will be held on 11 September 2022 and be based at the Imperial Hotel on Blackpool’s North Promenade.
Says Bus Driver of the Year Chairman Joe Mackie: “Although we planned to hold the event in 2021, the devastating consequences of the pandemic have combined to present too much uncertainty for an event that not only attracts 500 people to a dinner and results presentation, but requires regional heats to be held at a time when operators are battling to come to terms with unpredictable staff absences, changing travel patterns and the National Bus Strategy.
“Bus companies need all of their management energies and cash reserves to rebuild healthy businesses. If we were to promote an event this autumn, it would inevitably be a shadow of its former self. It is far better to aim for a strong, professional relaunch in 2022.”
