Dundee driver one of the best in Britain

An Xplore Dundee driver is celebrating success at the annual Bus Driver of the Year Awards.

John Black was the highest placed National Express competitor, earning him a trophy at the finals in Blackpool (1^st/2^nd September 2018).

John, who’s been driving for the company since 1984 was placed 16^th overall in the prestigious competition, which brings together the very best bus drivers in Britain. 

He said: “I’m very pleased to have come top within our bus group – I faced some stiff competition but was really happy with my performance on the weekend.  It’s not the first time I’ve been to the Bus Driver of the Year final – I’m pleased to say I came 2^nd overall back in 2002 and this is the fourth time I’ve won the trophy for National Express.  I’m already looking forward to taking on the challenge again next year!”

There were six drivers at the Blackpool final on behalf of various garages within National Express UK Bus, including another Xplore Dundee driver, Stephen Connor. 

They finished in the following positions, out of 91 entries:

John Black, Xplore Dundee - 16^th

Stephen Bate, Walsall garage - 17^th

Paul Jarvis, Birmingham Central - 20^th

Karl Totney, Pensnett garage - 39^th

Liam Bishop, Birmingham Central - 78^th

Stephen Connor, Xplore Dundee - 87^th

Managing Director of Xplore Dundee Christine McGlasson said:

“We are incredibly proud of John’s achievement at Bus Driver of the Year.  He’s one of our longest-serving employees with a great record in safety and customer service and we’re delighted that he has walked away with a trophy. 

“We train all of our drivers to a very high standard and it’s great to see that some of our employees are taking this to the next level and excelling amongst their peers across the country.”