State's best bus drivers to be chosen by customers

• Voting opens for Queensland Bus Driver of the Year
• Nominate your favourite driver before 21 March.

The finalists have been locked in. Voting opens today for Queenslanders to have their say on who are crowned winners in the annual 2022 Queensland Bus Driver of the Year awards.

The finalists for each category are:

Regional bus driver of the year:

• Kevin Jenkins – Trans North (Cairns)
• Michael Gurney – Sunbus (Townsville)
• John Schakell – Wide Bay Transit (Hervey Bay)

School bus driver of the year: 

• Glen Schemioneck – CDC Queensland (Sunshine Coast)
• Keren Ashton – Westside Bus Company (Ipswich)
• Deb Porter – Stonehenge Action Group (Central West Queensland) 

Southeast Queensland bus driver of the year: 

• Sharif Shafey – Transport for Brisbane (Toowong)
• Jason Morris – Transport for Brisbane (Upper Mt Gravatt)
• Sue Bishop – Transdev (Capalaba)

Quote attributed to the Head of Translink, Sally Stannard:

‘Narrowing down nine finalists in three categories from nearly 1,000 nominations was a mammoth task for the industry-led selection panel,” Ms Stannard said.

"Many passengers took time to nominate their favourite driver, which is a positive endorsement of the quality of service delivered by our Queensland bus drivers.

“Since we started the awards in 2018, we have seen some amazing finalists, and now it's time for Queenslanders to vote for who they’d like to win this year.

“Voting closes on 21 March, so take the time to view the videos of our finalists and make your selection."

Quotes attributable to Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey MP:

"Well done to all of the nominees this year and a special congratulations to the finalists," Mr Bailey said.

"These awards are a great way to recognise the essential role bus drivers have, safely transporting people every day to and from their families, work, leisure, appointments and other activities."

Voting is open from 7 – 21 March. The winner in each category will be announced during this year’s Queensland Bus Industry Council Conference. 

For more information about Bus Driver of the Year awards visit the Translink website.

ENDS

Media contact: Catherine Baker, Senior Media Advisor tel: 0498 844 783