The 2023 Bus Driver of the Year (BDoY) National Final has attracted 119 entries from England, Scotland and Wales, organisers have announced.
That number comfortably exceeds both the 82 drivers that entered the National Final in 2019 before the contest took an enforced two-year break, and the 89 welcomed in 2022. All will challenge for the coveted Bus Driver of the Year title at the 55th National Final, which is to be held in Blackpool on Sunday 3 September.
UK Bus Driver of the Year Chairman Joe Mackie (pictured, below) has commended those drivers and operators that are supporting the 2023 event.
“I am delighted to report that despite the challenges still facing bus companies, the support for our UK BDoY competition has not only held up, but the final number of entrants exceeds pre-COVID figures,” says Mr Mackie.
“This level of competition will ensure an interesting and professional event. We are very pleased that the competition still commands widespread support from its sponsors and entrant operating companies, with the National Final a fantastic place for drivers’ skills and commitment to excellent customer service to be displayed.”
A provisional list of entrants shows that four of those drivers placed in 2022’s top five will return to Blackpool this year.
Reigning Bus Driver of the Year Michael Evans of Stagecoach South Wales is among that cohort, alongside Ian Field of Stagecoach East Scotland, Michael Leech of First West Yorkshire, and Brian MacKie of Stagecoach East Scotland.
‘Big five’ group operating companies dominate the list of entrants’ employers, but also present are Abellio London, Blackpool Transport and RATP Dev Transit London. All three McGill’s Buses subsidiaries will be represented, as will Lothian Buses. Completing the operators from Scotland represented will be scheduled coach provider Ember.
