A COVENTRY bus driver is set to compete in the UK Bus Driver of the Year final, writes Will Shepstone.
National Express Coventry bus driver, 23-year-old Danny Bayley from Warton, will be heading to Blackpool next month for the contest.
Danny is usually seen driving the bus services 3, 8, 9 or 17 around Coventry.
National Express Coventry is hoping Danny will be bringing the trophy back to the West Midlands, following on from his colleague Lee’s win in 2023.
A total of 60 bus drivers entered NXWM’s Bus Driver of the Year competition, with heats held at each depot with 17 going through to the local final in Walsall.
Competitors completed a series of challenges including driving safely through a chicane, safe distance driving when passing cyclists, bus simulation tests and a series of precise manoeuvres to measure their driving skills.
The top three drivers went through to the national final, where they will now compete against other UK bus operators’ best drivers.
The 2024 UK Bus Driver of the Year final takes place on September 1 in Blackpool, where the competition has been held since 1982.
Danny said: “I’m very excited and proud to be representing Coventry and National Express in the UK Bus Driver of the Year final.
“I’m looking forward to testing my skills against the country’s best bus drivers, and hopefully bringing back some silverware for Coventry depot.”
Sarah East, National Express’ regional operations director (Midlands), said: “We’re really proud of Danny getting through to the UK Bus Driver of the Year final in what will be his first time on the national stage.
“He’ll be in very good company with our two former UK Bus Driver of the Year winners, Lee and Paul.”
