Stagecoach London driver William Bradford, aged 22, who works at Bromley garage was one of 118 drivers who battled for the ultimate accolade for passenger transport professionals; to be named Bus Driver of the Year at the national finals in Blackpool.
He was among four Stagecoach employees to finish in the top 10 best drivers at the competition. Arkadiusz Owsianski from Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire came seventh overall and was awarded the second-placed driver accolade.
William is the second Stagecoach employee to win the title in the past three years, following the success of Gordon Cutting from Stagecoach Oxfordshire in 2013. He is also thought to be one of the competition’s youngest ever winners. William received trophies and cash prizes after being named the competition’s overall winner as well as the best driver in England, the highest ranking London bus driver and the highest rated Stagecoach driver.
William has worked for Stagecoach for four years and began training as a bus driver just two weeks after passing his driving test. In his first year of taking part in the Bus Driver of the Year competition, he notched up only 220 penalty points in the finals, with the second place driver receiving 250.
He said: “I was shocked when they announced I had won but I am ecstatically happy. It was a very challenging competition but it was a great experience and I really enjoyed it.
“I really enjoy driving. I’m still the youngest driver at the depot and everyone has been congratulating me and they’re all very happy for me since I got back. I’d like to thank everyone at Stagecoach who helped me get to the finals and the competition organisers as well.”
Seventh placed Arkadiusz Owsianski is based at Chorley depot and has worked for Stagecoach for seven years. In addition, Lee Holmes from Stagecoach East Scotland finished in eighth place while Simon Broughton from Stagecoach North East was 10th.
Stagecoach employees also finished in 11th, 12th and 13th positions – Peter Whyte from Stagecoach West Scotland, Brian Mackie from Stagecoach East Scotland and Gary Smith from Stagecoach Yorkshire finished in those places respectively.
Ted Reid from Stagecoach North Scotland finished 17th while Andrew Brentnall from Stagecoach Yorkshire finished in 18th place.
A total of 34 Stagecoach drivers took part in the national finals, after securing their places following tough regional heats across the UK.
Managing Director of Stagecoach’s UK Bus division, Robert Montgomery said, “I am delighted and proud to see that William has been named UK Bus Driver of the Year. The competition was fierce and it’s great to know that one of our drivers is the best in the country.
“Congratulations also go to all of the Stagecoach employees who reached the national finals which is an achievement in itself. These fantastic results are a testament to the skills of our drivers and the training they have received and further demonstrate that Stagecoach produces professional and skilful drivers across the country.”
During the competition the 118 drivers from bus operators across the UK undertook a series of driving tests in a bid to win the Bus Driver of the Year title. Drivers are required to drive on a simulated route can include any of the hazards normally encountered during their working day. The test is completed on both private and public roads and, as in ordinary operations, drivers are required to keep to schedule. All competitors are also required to complete a combined written test on the Highway Code and Driver CPC Knowledge.
For further information on Stagecoach UK Bus visit www.stagecoachbus.com