NSW’s best private bus drivers have been honoured at the BusNSW annual general meeting held on February 22, at The
NSW’s best private bus drivers have been honoured at the BusNSW annual general meeting held on February 22, at The Sebel in Parramatta.
The BusNSW Bus and Coach Driver of the Year Awards were established to recognise three individuals for their outstanding contribution to the State’s bus and coach industry on an annual basis.
The awards are divided into three categories – the Metropolitan and Outer-Metropolitan Bus Driver of the year, Regional and Rural Bus Driver of the year, and Coach Driver of the year.
“It is important to recognise the best drivers in our industry – those who exhibit a positive and cooperative attitude towards their passengers and always drive safely,” says BusNSW Executive Director Darryl Mellish.
“It has been a lengthy search to find our best bus drivers for 2009, and we thank all the passengers and bus operators who participated in the nomination process and, of course, our sponsor Mobitec/Thoreb for making the Awards possible.”
James Barwick from Mobitec/Thoreb presented the Awards at the AGM function attended by BusNSW delegates and members.
Metropolitan and Outer-Metropolitan Bus Driver of the Year
Winner Anita Harper has been working with Veolia Transport NSW for eight years and in that time has built a tremendous rapport with her passengers and fellow work colleagues, earning their highest respect.
She was involved in a serious accident on September 11, 2009 while driving a load of school students along Heathcote Road, near Lucas Heights. The way she remained calm and professionally managed a difficult situation while badly injured herself is testimony to her commitment and loyalty to her customers.
Regional & Rural Bus Driver of the Year
Winner Stephen Martin worked for Baldwin’s Bus Service in the Nambucca Valley for 15-plus years.
His employer describes him as the perfect symbol of a rural driver – polite, respectful, forever helpful and highly skilled.
Martin’s school service was a 70km round trip, mostly gravel, cliff tops, river crossings and a single lane in places – not to mention dealing with cattle, horses, wallabies, fog and floods.
He takes his duties associated with bus driving very seriously, and always has a smile to go with his greeting!
Coach Driver of the Year
Winner David Baxter has worked for Culburra Coaches for more than 20 years and is considered by his employer to be the ultimate professional.
His answer to whatever is asked of him is “no problem”.
Baxter’s nomination included a stack of ‘thank you’ cards from passengers with consistent praise for his excellent driving, wonderful commentary and providing them with a great trip.
Some of his passengers described him as “charming” and a “gentleman”, and some thanked him for his good humour!