Three local bus drivers, including one from First’s depot in Bath, have won the opportunity to compete at the prestigious national Bus Driver of the Year competition.
The competition will take place in Blackpool over the weekend of 13th-14th September.
The Bus Driver of the Year competition is a high profile event in the bus industry.
Considered the ‘Top Gun’ of the bus world, those competing for are tested on all aspects of the profession, from practical driving skills to customer care and a 30 question theory test.
This year three drivers will be attending on behalf of First West of England. They are: Andy Evered (52) from Bath, Robert Greatley (50) from Warminster, and John Mathias (49) from Shirehampton.
They won their places at the prestigious competition having won through local heats held by First.
Once in Blackpool they will go up against approximately 120 other drivers from across the UK.
They are well placed to compete though; Andy Evered from Bath has taken part 12 times before, coming fourth in 2012.
John Mathias is also one of First West of England’s best drivers, having recently been given a Fleet Elite award by the company in recognition of his exceptional driving abilities, and his perfect score on the company’s DriveGreen system.
Finally, while a relative newcomer to the business, having only joined the company in 2011, and a complete newcomer to the competition, First has high hopes for Robert Greatley given his good and solid performance in the local heats.
Paul Matthews, Managing Director for First in the West of England, said: “We hold a series of internal heats before deciding who to send to the Bus Driver of the Year awards.
“This year we’re sending Andy, Robert and John and we have high hopes for them.
“Competing in the competition is no mean feat. The standards expected are incredibly high but our team has what it takes and we’ll be fully behind them when they compete in September.”