Celebrating the amazing work of our colleagues
6 months ago
We are the champions! Meet North of England bus firm Transdev’s award winners, celebrating success in the operator’s two awards schemes.
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 of the best.
The company also presents its Transdev Honours monthly award to a single champion from each of its depots across the North, including cleaners, travel shop staff and engineers as well as drivers, with nominations from colleagues and customers. The Honours were originally created in 2020 to recognise those who gave outstanding service in a challenging year for the operator and the wider bus industry.
Transdev’s award winners so far in 2023 include:
Pride of the North Cup
January: Coastliner bus driver Mariusz Losinski, nominated by a customer for his cool and calm handling of a medical emergency on board his bus in the isolated North York Moors.
February: Rosso driver Usman Aziz, put forward by his manager Lee Wardle. Lee praises Usman for his “flexible and friendly approach to his work, making him a first rate team player” who never hesitates to help cover work and supports new drivers.
March: The Keighley Bus Company driver Thomas Hardaker, nominated by 84-year-old customer Maureen Foy for his help when she suffered a nasty fall on his bus.
Transdev Honours
January: The Keighley Bus Company driver Laurence Bell, put forward by General Manager Alan Isherwood, who says: ““Laurence is one of the most committed members of our team - he will go out of his way to help anyone and the business, including welcoming and training our new colleagues. No job is too big for him.”
February: FLYER bus cleaner Steve Hudson, nominated by his manager Allan Gilmour who praised the team of four cleaners for the “outstanding work they do, every day.” Allan said: “I feel that our cleaning teams don’t always get the recognition they deserve for the hard work they do. Our team at Idle wash all of our vehicles by hand, inside and out – they all do a superb job but Steve just goes that extra mile.”
March: York and Country’s Karl Spencer, nominated by managers Kel Pizzuti and Adam Emmott. Kel said: “Karl was involved in a motorbike accident on his way in to work to open the depot. Not wanting to leave our drivers standing outside the gate and our customers waiting for their buses, Karl picked himself up and got back on his badly damaged bike to make it to work and open up, even though he had a severely broken ankle and was pouring with blood from his other injuries.”
Transdev Operations Director Vitto Pizzuti said: “It’s when the unexpected happens that we really see the dedication of our teams and individuals shining through. I couldn’t be more proud of every one of the winners we’re recognising with these awards, and grateful for all they do for our customers.”