Two Stagecoach Cwmbran drivers will represent the depot at this year's National Bus Driver of the Year Finals after finishing first and second in the regional heats held at the Cwmbran depot.
Ajay was crowned the regional winner, with colleague Isobel securing the runner-up spot. Both will now progress to the national competition, which brings together the UK's top bus drivers to compete in a series of tests designed to assess driving precision, safety and professional skills.
For Ajay, the achievement marks the latest milestone in a remarkable journey. Originally from India, he moved to the UK to complete a master's degree before settling in South Wales with his wife. After seeing an advert for trainee drivers, he joined Stagecoach around two-and-a-half years ago and gained his PCV licence through the company's training programme.
Winning the competition at his first attempt was the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.
“Becoming a bus driver has always been my dream,” said Ajay. “Driving isn't just my job – it's my passion. Every day I have the responsibility of carrying people safely and helping them complete their journeys, and that's something I'm very proud of. Winning the regional heat on my first attempt is a huge honour, and I'm incredibly grateful to everyone at Stagecoach, as well as my family, for supporting me throughout my journey.”
Runner-up Isobel has more than 20 years' experience with Stagecoach and is passionate about developing the next generation of drivers. After joining the company in 2002, she helped establish an early mentoring programme for new recruits before taking a career break to care for her child. She returned to Stagecoach in 2021 and now combines driving with mentoring colleagues and training as a driving instructor.
“Taking part was a fantastic experience,” said Isobel. “The atmosphere between the drivers was brilliant – everyone supported and encouraged each other despite being in competition. I entered for the experience, so qualifying for the national finals was a wonderful surprise. For me, being a great bus driver is about patience, attentiveness and remembering that you're often helping people who rely on you for much more than just getting from A to B.”
The Bus Driver of the Year competition is one of the UK's most respected professional driving competitions, with regional heats held across bus operators nationwide. Drivers who perform best at the regional stage go on to represent their companies at the national finals.
Chris Hanson, Managing Director of Stagecoach South Wales, said:
“We're incredibly proud of both Ajay and Isobel. They represent everything that's great about our drivers – professionalism, dedication and a genuine commitment to providing excellent customer service. To have two colleagues qualify for the national finals from our regional heat is a fantastic achievement, and we wish them every success in the competition.”
The national Bus Driver of the Year Finals will take place later this year, where Ajay and Isobel will compete against the country's top professional bus drivers.
