Sunderland bus driver gains recognition in national competition

The annual competition was held in Blackpool on Sunday, September 6, and is designed to recognise the skill, professionalism and customer service excellence of drivers across the country.

Drivers were assessed in a range of areas including driving, customer care skills and a written test on the Highway Code and legal responsibilities.

Thousands of bus drivers entered the awards but just 100 were given the chance to compete for the trophy.

Go North East driver Dawid Zochowski took fourth place at the competition, placing highest out of all the drivers from Go-Ahead Group’s operating companies.

Go-Ahead Group is a leading international public transport company that provides bus and rail services.

Dawid said: “I really enjoyed the experience of the competition from start to finish.

"I’d like to compete again next year and hopefully do even better.”

Bus driving is a career that runs in the family for Dawid.

His father is also a driver at Go North East’s Sunderland Depot.

Dawid, also based at Sunderland, has fond memories of accompanying his dad to work during school holidays.

He was also awarded the Best Newcomer Award by ROSCO (Road Operators' Safety Council), which recognises the highest-placed competitor taking part in the competition for the first time.

Kevin Shanks, another Go North East driver, came ninth in the competition, also placing in the top ten in his first time taking part in the competition.

Kevin is an armed forces veteran based at Go North East’s Consett Depot and has been with the company for nine years.

Dawid and Kevin won their place in the final after taking part in local heats organised by Go North East’s Elite Bus Driver Training Academy.

Ben Gilligan, managing director of Go North East, said: “We’re so proud of what Dawid and Kevin have achieved on the national stage.

"It’s a testament to the talent of our driving colleagues at Go North East as well as the high standards set by our training academy.”