Top National Bus Driver: the Chris Moyes Memorial Award sponsored by Volvo Bus
Winner, Gold Award, Aaron Johnson – Nottingham City Transport
Aaron Johnson is an exceptional bus driver with an equally exceptional record with his employer Nottingham City Transport. He has excellent customer service skills and frequently goes above and beyond, demonstrated by receiving 24 customer commendations in the last decade. Poorly passengers, people who have fallen on the pavement near his bus, school children on trips and a lady with learning disabilities who became anxious when she missed her stop have all praised Aaron. His attendance record is remarkable, with just one day sick and he has never been late for work since he joined NCT in 1997. Aaron’s driving skills mirror his fantastic customer service skills and he hasn’t had a blameworthy accident in 20 years. Aaron’s on-bus telematics driving performance score is a good 10 points lower than the company average, placing him at the very top of NCT drivers for providing customers with a safe, comfortable ride.
Winner, Silver Award, Adam Davies – Transdev Blazefield
Adam Davies is one of the most cheerful and well respected people you could wish to meet, says his employer Transdev Blazefield. Loved by his customers, he goes beyond the traditional role of a bus driver by making sure they receive a first class service everytime. He is also keen to add to the company communications by engaging with customers one on one, and on his own twitter page, to let his customers know what’s happening. This year Adam has shone by being the face of Coastliner on ITV’s This Morning and the BBC’s Breakfast programme, as well as many more radio and newspaper interviews, after the route was voted the country’s most scenic bus route. He’s expanded his role beyond the role of driver by helping out with the operation for the York races shuttle buses, which take people from the railway station to the racecourse, an important part of the depot operation.
Winner, Bronze Award, James Kearney – trentbarton
When trentbarton’s own mystery judge was assessing driver James Kearney as part of its 2018 really good service awards, one customer within earshot turned to another and said: “Wow, isn’t he great?” She received the immediate reply: “He’s always like this.” As a bus driver, James is as good as it gets – and then some. As a person, he makes you feel like you’ve been his best friend for ages. James has a kind word for everyone and does not hesitate to leave his cab to offer help where necessary. If anything out of the ordinary should happen, he will always turn to his customers to tell them what’s going on. A true professional, he manages all this, and plenty more, while sticking perfectly to his timetable driving skylink Nottingham, the route he moved to earlier this year from the mainline. Coupled with an unblemished record (no accidents in the past three years and no days off work), James is a standout driver and employee.
Finalist, Robbie Bartle – Go South Coast – morebus
Robbie Bartle is the master of brightening his customers day. He drives on morebus’ dedicated UNIBUS rota where he transports the students and staff of Bournemouth University. They love him, as in their own words, he represents service excellence. In fact this year they even arranged for him to have tea with Her Majesty the Queen. Robbie’s employer thinks he’s brilliant!
Finalist, Garry Williams – National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands bus driver Garry Williams has displayed both continuous and exceptional excellent behaviour this year. As a National Express Master Driver, he is already one of the company’s top 400 drivers (out of 3,500). His excellent driving abilities and dedication to customer service are matched by his inspirational teamworking. And on top of all that, he saved a man’s life.
Finalist, Simon Crumpler – Stagecoach West
Stagecoach West describes bus driver Simon Crumpler as a customer service and community superstar. Since Simon trained to be a bus driver in 2015 he has generated more than 30 customer commendations which is why he was crowned Stagecoach West Customer Service Driver of the Year in 2017. Simon has a huge heart, and 12 months ago volunteered to be the driver of the #BeNiceBus, which is now a UK wide touring anti-bullying campaign for the Diana Award charity. When Simon isn’t ‘touring’ for the charity, he is still generating customer commendations and he even found time at Christmas to dress up as Santa during his shift and raise lots of cash for the James Hopkins Trust, which helps local children with complex needs. Simon is the epitome of someone going above and beyond what most employees will ever do.
Finalist, Joanne Morgan – Stagecoach Manchester
Stagecoach Manchester driver Joanne Morgan is well liked by both customers and colleagues. Her enthusiasm for the job shines through, and her ability to engage with her customers makes travelling on Joanne’s bus an absolute pleasure. She is a great communicator, and whether she’s driving, or out talking to customers about new routes, or to young people about travelling safely, she always takes the time to listen and provides as much information as possible. Her friendly, helpful nature and flexibility to help out whenever she can has gained her the respect of her managers and colleagues. It’s these strengths that also make her a great mentor for new drivers. And when she’s not driving, she’s busy organising and getting involved in charity fundraising.
Finalist, Steven Irvine – Stagecoach Manchester
Steven Irvine is the most pleasant, friendly and helpful bus driver, according to many of Stagecoach Manchester’s customers. Anyone who travels with him or works with him will certainly back them up. Steven is a professional driver, with an excellent track record and is a shining example of customer service excellence. He drives on some of the busiest most congested routes in the city but he’s always smiling and has time for his customers. Steven’s enthusiasm and bubbly nature shines through, and his ability to brighten up customers’ commutes is a real credit to him.
