Queensland bus users are encouraged to help their favourite driver receive recognition with nominations for the 2021 Bus Driver of the Year awards closing at 11.59pm Queensland time this Friday, January 7.
The awards will recognise the important contribution of bus drivers across the state with the awards to be split into three categories:
- Regional bus drivers (QConnect and TransLink drivers in regional centres outside of South East Queensland);
- South East Queensland urban bus drivers (covering Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton and Redlands council areas); and
- School bus drivers (all school bus drivers in all cities and towns)
Acting Head of TransLink Graham Davis said more than 1000 nominations had been received across the three categories since nominations opened on December 10 last year.
"The number of nominations so far highlights the positive impact our bus drivers make across Queensland," Mr Davis said.
"However, there are still three days to nominate a driver so whether it's someone who is a consistent performer or someone who greets you with a smile and goes above and beyond, we would like to see them recognised with a nomination.
"We're particularly on the lookout for more nominations in the regional category. We know there are plenty of friendly bus drivers who provide great service in our regions, so we would like to see more nominations in that category.
"Just by nominating a bus driver, you also go into the draw to win one of 10 $100 gift cards."
Mr Davis said he was excited to see the awards return after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Bus drivers provide an essential service to help people get to work, school, university, recreational activities and more," he said.
"They are also among the frontline transport staff that have continued showing up to work throughout COVID to ensure people could get to where they needed to go.
"We were disappointed we couldn't hold the 2020 awards but that makes the 2021 event even more exciting."
A judging panel will pour through the nominations once they close to determine the three finalists for each category. It will then be up to the public to cast their vote for who they think should win the Bus Driver of the Year in each category.
The winners are set to be announced at the Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) Conference in April.
To nominate a bus driver, or for more information on the 2021 Bus Driver of the Year awards, head online to the TransLink website.
