Eddie crowned Devon's best bus driver

Devon’s best bus driver has been named by Devon County Council at a surprise presentation yesterday on Tuesday.

Hundreds of bus passengers across the county have been voting for their favourite bus driver over the past couple of months, in a competition organised by the County Council.

The competition was launched earlier this year to coincide with national “Catch the Bus Week”. 

The results are now in, and the drivers with the most votes have been recognised for their kind and courteous behaviour behind the wheel, and for their efforts at providing exceptional service to their passengers.

The winner was Eddie Davies, from Country Bus, who drives the 176 into Newton Abbot. He received a surprise visit from Councillor Stuart Hughes at Newton Abbot bus station this afternoon and was presented with a certificate and High Street vouchers.

Eddie, who has been driving the route for the past 20 years, was in fact a previous winner of the competition when it was run in 2002. Among the nominations for Eddie, his passengers described him as, "an asset to the bus service", that, "he has been a gem for the 12 years I’ve been using the service" and that he is the, "friendliest most helpful bus driver I have come across".

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet member for Highway Management, said: “It was encouraging to receive hundreds of nominations and clearly many passengers were keen to tell us about what makes their bus driver so special. This competition aimed to reward courteous, helpful, smooth bus drivers who act with kindness and go beyond the call of duty – and it has done that. Our thanks must go to all passengers who took part and nominated a driver, and congratulations to Eddie and the runners-up.”

Ali Ellison, Managing Director of Country Bus, said: “Eddie is the longest serving bus driver at Country Bus with around 20 years service. He is a very valued member of our team; happy, considerate and loyal are all words that spring to mind. His customers and the team at Country Bus all think of him as a real gem - long may he carry on!”

Two runners-up have also been recognised for their dedication. Colin Johnson, from Sovereign Coaches, drives the 381 service in Ottery St Mary. His passengers commended him for being, "cheerful, patient and helpful" and said that, "riding on Colin's bus is a pleasure".

Tony Longman, who drives one of the Ring and Ride services for the Torridge Community Transport Association, is the second runner-up. He received the following comment: “I have never known a driver so helpful – nothing is too much trouble.”

The runners-up will receive certificates and vouchers.