Bus driver wins through to show skills in National Final of Bus Driver of the Year competition

A Yorkshire bus operator’s representative for the national Bus Driver of the Year competition has been named, after winning through an ultra-competitive local heat.

Nikunj Popat will be heading to Blackpool for the National Final on Sunday 6th September, after just winning through ahead of Jason Marsden and Jonathan Munyoro.

Nikunj will be put through his paces alongside competitors from all around the country for the coveted title of Bus Driver of the Year. The competition consists of a gruelling series of tests including a theory examination and an on-road driving course incorporating precision driving manoeuvres along a specially registered bus route called Middle Walk, which runs along the beautiful Blackpool coastline

Brian Rymer, Head of Training at Stagecoach Yorkshire, who oversaw regional heats, said: “I am so proud that Nikunj will be representing us, he is an excellent driving professional. In our heats, he has showcased our outstanding driving standards and company values and so – although the competition will be of the very highest standard – I am sure that he will acquit himself very well.

“The pressure will always be intense when you are performing difficult and challenging driving manoeuvres with little margin for error under the full glare of the judges. Nikunj is used to working in a culture, at Stagecoach Yorkshire, where the safety of our customers and of other road users is our number one priority. This culture shows not only in the quality of his professional bus driving, it will also give him a natural competitive edge in Blackpool at the Final.

“The very best of luck to Nikunj, I know that you will represent Stagecoach Yorkshire with pride and distinction!”