100 competitors from 34 operators will take part in the 56th national final of the Bus Driver of the Year competition in Blackpool on Sunday 1 September, organisers have said.
The winner will take home the title of Bus Driver of the Year, with 2023 victor Lee Grantham of National Express West Midlands among this year’s competitors.
Chairman of the UK Bus Driver of the Year Association Joe Mackie notes that of the 100 entrants, “some are hoping to regain the top spot, others with the objective of doing better than previously, and all hoping to win the coveted title.
“This level of commitment to the competition and the bus industry will ensure an interesting and professional event,” adds Mr Mackie.
Of the big five bus groups, only Arriva is unrepresented. First Bus will draw entrants from its operations stretching from Aberdeen to South Wales and the south coast of England, while Go-Ahead contestants from its English operations will be complemented by Go-Ahead Ireland’s participation. It remains the only Irish operator to have entered the competition.
Stagecoach entrants will extend from its Bluebird and Highlands businesses in Scotland to those from the south and south-west of England and South Wales.
Smaller and medium-sized bus operators are set to be represented by Ascendal subsidiary Whippet, Peoplesbus, and Stephensons of Essex. The flag for the municipal sector will be flown by Blackpool Transport and Lothian Buses.
Completing the Bus Driver of the Year final line-up outside those undertakings are McGill’s Bus Group, RATP Dev Transit London, and Transport UK London Bus.
