The annual search for the UK’s top bus driver has begun for 2025 with the invitation for operators to participate in the National Final of the annual Bus Driver of the Year (BDoY) competition in Blackpool. At this stage, the organising committee says companies only need to register online, having decided the number of drivers they wish to enter, and will be asked to pay the entry fee.
They will then receive an information pack to enable them to proceed with selection of their best drivers. BDoY seeks to reward full-time drivers who exercise their skills throughout the year, and it is therefore also a requirement that a driver works at least three full shifts per week to qualify for entry to the competition.
The 2024 National Final was won by third-time entrant Thomas Gilhooley of Lothian East Coast Buses, whose prize included a total of £4,600. Aged 63, Thomas has been a driver based at Lothian’s Musselburgh depot for over six and a half years. Runner-up was another regular participant, Raz Viswanathan of Go-Ahead London, winning £3,800, whilst third place went to Brian Mackie of Stagecoach East Scotland, fourth place to Danny Bayley of National Express Coventry, and fifth to Clive Sutton of First North & West Yorkshire
The 57th National Final takes place slightly later than usual in Blackpool on 14 September, based at The Imperial Hotel. Full details can be found via the website at BDoY.co.uk.
