Birmingham bus drivers to compete in UK Bus Driver of the Year competition

Three National Express West Midlands bus drivers are set to compete in UK Bus Driver of the Year.

Lee Granthan, Liam Manuell and David Mulrooney were selected to represent the company following local heats which saw 14 bus drivers from nine different depots put through their paces.

They completed a series of driving challenges, a bus simulator test and they also undertook a hazard perception test. Lee from Acocks Green, Liam from Wolverhampton and David from West Bromwich got the top scores on the day. The national final takes place on September 3, 2023 in Blackpool, where the competition has been held since 1982.

This isn’t Lee’s first stint at the Bus Driver of the Year final, as he secured a spot in the UK competition last year too. Lee said: “I’m over the moon to be going to the final again. This is the award every bus driver wants to win, so thank you to the training team for supporting us to take part.”

Jenny Tocknell, UK Head of Engineering and Operational Safety at National Express, said: “National Express West Midlands drivers are some of the safest in the country. They play a vital role with the highest standards of service for our customers, helping them get to where they need to be.

“We’re really proud that we’ve got three brilliant drivers taking part in this year’s UK final and would like to wish the best of luck to Lee, Liam and David for the 3 September. We are all keeping our fingers crossed!”