The UK’s Bus Operator of the Year, Nottingham City Transport, has announced the winner of its annual ‘Driver of the Year’ award for 2012.
Barry Polkey, 66, from Clifton was crowned the winner at an awards dinner which included one of the last performances of this year’s Theatre Royal Pantomime, Cinderella. Adam C Booth, the actor who played Buttons, presented Barry with his Driver of the Year shield and certificate which he receives alongside £1000 and an extra week’s holiday.
Barry, who joined Nottingham City Transport in June 2010 and drives the L53 from Clifton to Arnold , was one of five finalists who had each won a Seasonal Driver Award throughout the year. To qualify for the Seasonal Driver Award, drivers needed to have had 100% attendance, always turn up on time, have no live disciplinary awards or blameworthy accidents on file and have a clean driving licence.
“The Seasonal Driver and Driver of the Year initiative was launched to recognise and celebrate the continual hard work and professionalism of our drivers,” explains NCT Marketing Manager, Anthony Carver-Smith. “Winners are decided wholly by mystery travellers who measure customer service, driving standards and overall competence over numerous random trips. Barry achieved outstanding marks of 91%, making him the ‘best of the best’ and this is a fantastic achievement he should be really proud of.”
“I’ve been driving this route for two years now and the best part of my job is interacting with the passengers,” said Barry. “To know I’ve won this award thanks to their feedback really means a lot to me, and puts an extra spring in my step. My friends and family know Nottingham City Transport well and are really proud of me – it’s a great way to start 2013.”
