Two top ten finishes at the National Bus Driver of the Year Competition

Congratulation to Dawid and Kev who represented us at the National Bus Driver of the Year competition, held in Blackpool at the weekend.

The annual National Bus Driver of the Year competition is designed to recognise the skill, professionalism, and customer service excellence of drivers across the country.
Dawid Zochowski took fourth place out of more than 100 drivers from across the country. He won the highest place out of all drivers from Go-Ahead Group’s operating companies. Dawid was also awarded the Best Newcomer Award by ROSCO (Road Operators' Safety Council), which recognises the highest-placed competitor taking part in the competition for the first time.

Bus driving is a career that runs in the family for Dawid, his father is also a driver at our Sunderland depot and Dawid has fond memories of accompanying him to work during school holidays. Dawid was surprised to have done so well in the competition. He says: “I really enjoyed the experience of the competition from start to finish. I’d like to compete again next year and hopefully do even better!”

Kevin Shanks, an Armed force veteran, came ninth in the competition, also placing in the top ten in his first time taking part in the competition, a fantastic achievement!

Dawid and Kevin won their place in the final after taking part in local heats organised by our Elite Bus Driver Training Academy. The training school also helped them prepare for the competition with specialist training sessions leading up to the final.

Ben Gilligan, Managing Director, said: “We’re so proud of what Dawid and Kevin have achieved on the national stage. It’s a testament to the talent of our driving colleagues at Go North East as well as the high standards set by our training academy.”