Andrew’s been shortlisted for UK Bus Driver of the Year title

A Nelson bus driver has been shortlisted to be named the best in the business.

Andrew Bowman, who drives for Lancashire-based bus operator Transdev, has been shortlisted for the annual Bus Driver of the Year award, which is seen as the industry’s premier driving skills competition.

He is among 125 hopefuls across the country to be shortlisted and has now reached the grand final, which will be held at Blackpool’s Hilton Hotel this weekend.

David Morris, from Burnley, who also drives for Transdev, is also on the shortlist. They will discover who will take the crown after all drivers take theory and practical skills tests during the event.

Alex Hornby, chief executive of Transdev, said: “Andrew  is well-respected by his colleagues for his driving skills and is a firm favourite with our passengers too.

“He constantly drives to a very high standard and is also noted for his excellent customer car skills.He is a credit to the company, and we wish him the best of luck in the national final in Blackpool.”

Andrew is based at the firm’s Burnley depot, driving the Burnley Connect and Mainline services.

He said: “Even though we drive buses day in and day out, it will still be nerve wracking doing the theory test and practical skills challenges, knowing you’re up against drivers from across the country.”

The Bus Driver of the Year title has been awarded annually since 1967, and drivers are first selected by their employer after an assessment of skills and a written test on the Highway Code and legal responsibilities. The drivers are then whittled down to the final shortlist.

The winner of will receive prizes to the value of £1,500, with the runner up getting prizes to the value of £1,000.

Third, fourth and fifth  prizes are £750, £500, and £250.