Is your bus driver a king - or queen - of the road? (From Messenger Newspapers)

Is your bus driver a king - or queen - of the road?

7:12pm Monday 29th October 2012 in News

THE importance the bus driver has to their passengers is much greater than just ensuring they simply get from A to B - now one bus company wants to reward those that go the extra mile.

Arriva Buses, which operates services across Trafford, is giving its customers the chance to nominate which of its drivers is worthy of its King of the Road award.

The King of the Road award is designed to recognise drivers who make a difference to customers when they travel on Arriva Buses.

Whether it is their friendly manner, flawless driving or the fact they go above and beyond the call of duty, Arriva wants the people who know best - its customers - to nominate the drivers that deserve to be acknowledged.

Debra Heaton, marketing and communications manager of Arriva North West, said: “Our drivers are the frontline of Arriva’s services and therefore they have a major impact on our customers. When it came to deciding which of our drivers we should recognise it was a simple decision to who we looked to for recommendations, our customers.

“We want to find out who the people in Sale think makes a difference to their bus travel. The reasons don’t have to be for something miraculous, the important element is that they are providing a great service to customers.

“Reasons for nomination could be as simple as always meeting passengers with a smile and remembering their names. To nominate an Arriva driver for the King of the Road award, customers can in touch in one of three ways; by phone, by email or via our website.”

The King of the Road award is part of Arriva Buses national recognition programme which looks at all elements of the bus company, including; engineering, depot management and back office functions. The King of the Road award for drivers is the only award which sees Arriva customers decide who deserves to win.

To nominate a bus driver Arriva customers can email king@arrivabus.co.uk, call 0845 270 1660, or visit www.arrivabus.co.uk/kingoftheroad.