Stagecoach East Scotland driver Ian Field named UK Bus Driver of the Year
- Stagecoach East Scotland driver wins Best Bus Driver of the Year Award
- Stagecoach West driver takes second place
- Five Stagecoach drivers finish in the top 10
- 26 Stagecoach staff compete in national finals
Perth, Scotland, 2018-Sep-06 — /Travel PR News/ — Stagecoach East Scotland driver Ian Field, 39, who works at St Andrews garage was one of 91 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 five Stagecoach employees to finish in the top 10 best drivers at the competition. Anthony Quinn from Stagecoach West came second receiving the runner up trophy.
Ian is the third Stagecoach employee to win the title in the past six years, following the success of William Bradford from Stagecoach London in 2015 and Stagecoach Oxfordshire’s Gordon Cutting in 2013.
Ian received trophies and cash prizes after being named the competition’s overall winner as well as the best driver in Scotland and the highest rated Stagecoach driver.
Ian has worked for Stagecoach for 10 years. He scored an incredible 1528 points out of a possible 1770.
He said: “I couldn’t believe it when they announced I had won. I was so shocked but incredibly happy. It was a very challenging competition but it was a great experience and I really enjoyed it. I absolutely love driving a bus it’s been great to receive such support from friends and colleagues. I’d like to thank everyone at Stagecoach who helped me get to the finals and the competition organisers as well.”
Coming second in the overall competition and taking the slot as Best Bus Driver for England was Stagecoach West’s Anthony Quinn. Anthony, 52, based at Gloucester depot walked away with a trophy, cash prize and the overall second place with a score of 1510 points.
Also finishing in the top 10 from Stagecoach companies were Graham Hall from South East and based in Hastings who finished in 5th place, David Whitehead from East Midlands who finished 7th and Daniel Baines from Yorkshire who came 10th.
A total of 26 Stagecoach drivers took part in the national finals, after securing their places following tough regional heats across the UK.
Managing Director of Stagecoach East Scotland, Paul Thomas said: “I am incredibly proud that Ian has been named as UK Bus Driver of the Year. The competition was fierce and it’s great to know that one of our drivers from East Scotland is the best in the country.”
Managing Director of Stagecoach West, Rupert Cox said: “I am delighted that Anthony has been named best Driver in England. Tony is a complete star and we’re incredibly proud of him.”
Robert Andrew, MD of Bus in Scotland, speaking about all Stagecoach competitors said: “A massive congratulations to all of the Stagecoach employees who reached the national finals. 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 91 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
Source: Stagecoach Group
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