Meet Keighley’s champion bus drivers Thomas Hardaker and Laurence Bell – both are celebrating after being named among parent firm Transdev’s award winners.
Thomas and Laurence among West Yorkshire bus operator’s award winners.
Transdev revived its Pride of the North Cup following the pandemic to salute its drivers who receive the most positive feedback from customers for their smooth and safe travels and friendly welcome on board.
The bus firm’s unsung heroes at depots across Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester who drive thousands of people to work, the shops or an amazing day out compete for a specially created Pride of the North trophy to celebrate the best in the business.
Thomas, a driver with The Keighley Bus Company, was nominated for the award by grateful customer Maureen Foy after he stepped in to help in her moment of need.
Maureen, 84, had suffered a nasty fall on board Thomas’s bus, leaving her injured and shaken – but Thomas was on hand to manage the situation calmly, using the on-board first aid kit to tend to the injured customer.
Soon afterwards the bus firm’s managers received a letter from a very grateful Maureen, to let them know she was recovering well, and praising Thomas for his prompt actions.
Drivers based at all 10 of Transdev’s depots compete every month to add their names to the coveted Pride of the North Cup – along with a certificate to keep and a monthly prize.
The bus firm also presents its Transdev Honours to a single champion from each of its depots across the North – with nominations from colleagues and customers. The Honours were created in 2020 to recognise those who gave outstanding service in a challenging year.
Keighley-based bus driver Laurence Bell was put forward for a Transdev Honours award by his manager Alan Isherwood for his work behind the scenes to introduce new talent to the bus firm.
Alan said: “Laurence is one of the most committed members of our team - he will go out of his way to help anyone and the business, and no job is too big for him.
“He does a great job welcoming and training our new colleagues, and working with The Academy, has got us through a difficult time recruitment wise.
“Laurence always puts in 100 per cent to everything he does, and thoroughly deserves this recognition.”
Customers can nominate any driver they feel has gone the extra mile to give them an amazing journey by emailing: PrideoftheNorthCup@transdevbus.co.uk
Bus driver Laurence Bell celebrates awards success with The Keighley Bus Company
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