Devon’s search for best bus driver
Bus passengers in Devon are among the happiest in the country according to a new survey which ranks Devon high for overall satisfaction.
Of the 800 plus Devon people who took part in the national survey by Passenger Focus, a record 90 per cent recorded their satisfaction overall, which includes 95 per cent of passengers with a disability.
Value for money, punctuality, bus and bus stop cleanliness all score well, with satisfaction levels higher in most cases to last year’s figures.
But it’s passengers’ satisfaction about their bus drivers that Devon County Council now wants to hear about.
With ‘Catch The Bus’ week later this month the Council is calling on bus passengers to nominate Devon’s best bus driver.
“With a fifth of Devon’s households not having access to a car, the bus is often, especially for older people, the only way to get around,” says the Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for transportation, Cllr Stuart Hughes.
“We know that a lot of Devon residents are generally very happy with their bus service, so this competition aims to reward courteous, helpful, smooth bus drivers who act with kindness and go beyond the call of duty.
“Passengers who feel their bus driver fits the bill are asked to let us know the name of the driver, the bus company, the route, time and date they were on the bus, and a brief explanation as to why they are nominating the bus driver.”
Online forms are available on the Council’s website. Nominations can also be made by email to tcs@devon.gov.uk, or by post to Devon’s Best Bus Driver, Transport Coordination Service M18, Devon County Council, County Hall, Exeter EX2 4QD.
Nominations must be returned to the Council by Friday 16 May. The winning driver and two runners up will be drawn by the end of May. All entries will be entered into a free prize draw with the opportunity for the nominator to win a book voucher.
For more information about Greener Journey’s ‘Catch The Bus’ Week, week beginning Monday 28 April, visit their website.
For more details about the Bus Passenger Survey 2014, visit their website
