In March, FlixBus handed its FlixBus Driver of the Year award to Kary-Ann McGregor, a driver with Scottish partner operator McGill’s Bus Group. Topping the driver star ratings, and achieving the best-rated service at FlixBus in the UK, Kary-Ann from Dundee took the award for her friendly and professional approach to customers. She passed her bus driving test in 2007, and began driving FlixBus coach services in 2023.
While the award came as a surprise, she says she hopes to inspire more women to find confidence, defy expectations and try out coach driving as a career. She said: “I am buzzing! I couldn’t believe it when I was told I was the top driver for FlixBus, but I hope it proves that women go out and achieve anything.”
Teams Lead for Operations at FlixBus Hayley Russell commented: “I really look forward to seeing the final results of our driver ratings and it’s been so fantastic to read the feedback and customer comments. This year I was especially pleased to see someone who is a wonderful role model to women in bus and coach, and we hope Kary-Ann’s success encourages more women into the industry.”
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Alex Hornby, Group Managing Director at McGill’s added: “We’re so proud that a McGill’s driver has won this award for the second year in a row, and Kary-Ann has done exceptionally well. We’re currently recruiting and we hope to attract anyone – whatever their gender or background – into new coach driving roles.”
FlixBus also presented a ‘highly commended’ award to Berry’s Coaches Driver Julian Totterdell from Tiverton in Devon, who received a huge number of comments from customers over the year, often mentioning him as funny, understanding and informative.
Coming from a family of HGV drivers, and Julian says he was always more interested in coaches, and passed his test in 1989.
He said: “When I was told, I said they must have the piece of paper upside down! I always try to keep passengers informed – even if the roads are busy, this helps to keep them feeling included. I try to remain sensitive and gentle to every customer I meet.
“I would encourage anyone to try to this job, driving coaches is my absolute favourite, of any vehicle I’ve tried, and the work offers such a variety of experience.”
Berry’s Operations Manager Sam Moloney said: “JT, as he is known, has made everyone here incredibly proud. He never stops seeking ways to make passengers’ journeys better and more enjoyable.”
