Entries have opened for the 2022 Bus Driver of the Year (BDoY) National Final, which will be held in Blackpool over the weekend of 17 and 18 September.
The step follows two years of disruption to the event caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At this stage, operators need only decide upon the number of drivers they wish to enter. Submissions may be made via the BDoY website. Details of the forthcoming competition will then be sent.
However, companies that intend to participate have been urged by BDoY organisers not to delay entering this year’s competition. The closing date for applications is mid-May. They add that the selection process should ideally, but not essentially, include both on- and off-road driving tests.
The holding of a National Final in 2022 “will mark a return to normality,” the organisers continue, and “it will enable operators to rewards staff who have shown commendable levels of professionalism at a time of extreme difficulties.”
BDoY has the support of all the major bus groups and is regarded as the industry’s premier road safety and skills competition. In providing the opportunity to present their best drivers to the public, the National Final also affords those staff the chance to win valuable prizes and to claim the accolade of UK Bus Driver of the Year.
Says BDoY Chairman Joe Mackie: “Among the many benefits for operators taking part is that it helps to raise driving standards and encourages pride in bus driving as a career.” Mr Mackie previously expressed a hope that the return of the Bus Driver of the Year competition in 2022 “will do something to lift the spirits of all involved.”
For further information, contact BDoY Operations Director and Vice Chairman Keith Fieldhouse via email.
