Entries to the National Final of the Bus Driver of the Year competition for 2026 have opened ahead of it being staged on Sunday 6 September in Blackpool. The event will once again be centred on the town’s Imperial Hotel, with the weekend commencing the day before with a gala dinner at the same location.
Submissions can be made via the competition portal on the Bus Driver of the Year website either by registering or using an existing login and password. The fee has been held at £250 for 2026.
Opening of entries sits alongside a redesign of the organisation’s website. That is intended to improve responsiveness, particularly in relation to larger screen sizes, while ensuring that the portal is still relevant and looking its best. A gallery will include competitors in action.
Speaking about the start of the road to Blackpool, Competition Secretary Paul Mackay says: “I am delighted to announce that the 2026 Bus Driver of the Year National Final competition is now open for company entries. Early entry via our redesigned website is encouraged before 30 April.”
In 2025, the winner was First Bus North and West Yorkshire driver Michael Leech (pictured, front centre), who works out of the operator’s Skircoat depot in Halifax. He was one of 101 entrants to the competition.
In an indication of what winners can receive, Mr Leech took home £4,100 in prize money across multiple categories and was interviewed by ITV show This Morning the following day. 300 supporters were on hand at the Imperial Hotel to see the winners named on the Sunday afternoon.
