Bromley Stagecoach driver scoops national award
Stagecoach London driver William Bradford, aged 22, was recently presented with the Bus Driver of the Year award, at the contest’s national finals in Blackpool.
As one of 118 drivers who battled for the accolade, William, who works at Bromley garage, was among four Stagecoach employees to finish in the top 10 best drivers at the competition.
The competition saw the drivers undertake a series of tests, including driving on a simulated route which 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.
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.”
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.”
