Two Cwmbran bus drivers have qualified for the national Bus Driver of the Year Finals.
The pair, who work for Stagecoach Cwmbran, qualified after the regional heats were held in the depot.
Ajay was crowned the regional winner, with Isobel in the runner-up spot. Both will now progress to the national competition, which brings together the UK’s top bus drivers to compete in 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.
This was the first time he entered the competition.
‘My passion’
Ajay said: “Becoming a bus driver has always been my dream. 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.”
Isobel has worked for Stagecoach for over 20 years and loves developing the next generation of drivers. 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.
‘Wonderful surprise’
She said: “Taking part was a fantastic experience. 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.”
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.”