North East bus drivers win top places at national competition

Go North East is celebrating after two of the company’s drivers made the top ten 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 Go North East’s Sunderland Depot. Dawid, also based at Sunderland, has fond memories of accompanying his dad 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 came ninth in the competition, also placing in the top ten in his first time taking part in the competition. Kevin is an Armed Forces veteran based at Go North East’s Consett Depot. He has been with the company for nine years.

Dawid and Kevin won their place in the final after taking part in local heats organised by Go North East’s Elite Bus Driver Training Academy. prepare for the competition with specialist training sessions.

Ben Gilligan, Managing Director of Go North East, 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.”

If you’d like to join Dawid and Kevin, Go North East is recruiting for bus drivers at www.gonortheast.co.uk/careers