Bath Bus Driver Excels In Bus Driver Of The Year Competition

A bus driver from Bath has excelled yet again in the national Bus Driver of the Year competition, earning his reputation as being one of the region's finest.

Andy Evered (52) from Bath recently took part in the final of the Bus Driver of the Year competition, coming 11^th overall (out of 121 drivers) and earning a prize for being the person who’d competed in so many consecutive finals of the competition.

Held every year in Blackpool, the competition is a high profile event in the bus industry calendar and is widely considered the ‘Top Gun’ of the bus world.  Competitors for the title are tested on every aspect of the profession, from practical driving skills to customer care and a 30 question theory test.

This year drivers from all over First’s UK bus business did exceptionally well. While Andy did the West Country proud when he finished eleventh, colleagues from other parts of the UK also excelled with First drivers from Aberdeen, Bridgend and Cornwall securing the top three spots overall. 23 First drivers from across the UK made it through to the finals in with seven of those finishing in the top 12.

Paul Matthews, Managing Director, First West of England, says: “I’d like to congratulate Andy for doing so well in the competition yet again. Competing is no mean feat. The standards expected are incredibly high but he’s done us proud yet again.”

Adding, Managing Director of First UK Bus, Giles Fearnley, said: “This is First’s best ever performance at the UK Bus Driver of the Year competition. The top three drivers in the UK are First drivers and seven of the UK’s top 12 are First drivers. This is great news for the company and reflects our approach to driver training and the fantastic talent and commitment of our drivers right across our operations.”

Talking about his achievement in the competition, Andy Evered said: “I am pleased about what my colleagues and I have achieved. I would have liked to have won overall, but I’m pleased to have come eleventh out of 121.   My view is that while the outcome is not always what you would have liked – as I was hoping to win it – I note that the object of the event itself is to raise standards through friendly and enjoyable competition. It certainly does that, and I’m proud to have taken part.”

For more information about First West of England, or to view timetable information log onto, https://www.firstgroup.com/Bristol. Those wanting independent travel information in the UK can also call Traveline on, 0871 200 22 33, or visit www.travelinesw.com.

For more information about becoming a bus driver with First and all it can offer, or to find out about other career opportunities with the company, see: busdriverjobs.firstgroup.com  or www.firstgroupcareers.com.