Arriva drivers with X-Factor - the idols of our roads!
19-Aug-2005
The eagerly awaited return of TV's 'X-Factor' may be the highlight of many people's weekend. But another competition is on the lips of thousands of bus drivers across the UK - Bus Driver Idol.
This weekend is the eve of the reveal of eight Bus Driver Idols from Arriva's force of over 15,000 UK bus drivers. And whilst X-Factor will be the talking of point of many seeking fame and fortune, Bus Driver Idol is a real part of many people's lives.
The eight regional winners have been chosen by Arriva's bus customers from some 12,000 Arriva regional UK bus drivers - the men and women that help keep Britain moving.
The Bus Driver Idol competition (sorry entries now closed) was open to all Arriva drivers in the UK outside London. Nominated drivers were assessed on the feedback given by Arriva customers. One winner in each of Arriva's eight bus company regions will be crowned over the next few days as that region?s Bus Driver Idol 2005 - and will win themselves a trophy and cash prize.
David Shadbolt, marketing manager for Arriva, said: "X-Factor might have the TV pulling power but our drivers show real skill, dedication and commitment. Many of them are really talented too - we've a host of driv ers who are part-time musicians, impersonators and actors, but who simply choose bus driver as their career."
"Last year's competition was such a success that we decided to make it bigger and even better this year. Customers are quick to tell us if they feel a driver hasn't given them the service but don?t often think to tell us when drivers go out of their way to help, or if they simply brighten up the customer?s day by being cheerful and welcoming. This competition allows us to give our drivers the well earned recognition and praise they deserve."
The Bus Driver Idol contest is part of the ongoing Arriva 'Going your way' campaign to encourage people to think again the journeys they make and whether they could be made more conveniently by bus. Arriva will be distributing bus guides - with money-off vouchers and information about local bus services - to thousands of households along key bus routes in this area during August.
