Press releases

Sally Ontanon-Ormond from Llanrwst has scooped the prestigious 2005 Bus Driver Idol for Arriva North West and Wales.

Sally, who is based at the company's Llandudno Junction garage, was nominated by customers who called the Arriva competition hotline last month. She was nominated for her smooth driving and for being so cheerful, polite and courteous. One caller also said it was like 'being a dream to be on her bus'. She was also praised for helping wheelchair users and prams onto the bus and has previously received a commendation from the civic council.

The decision to make Sally the Bus Driver Idol was made by a judging panel at Arriva North West and Wales and was based on the many calls received from satisfied customers.

Sally said:

I am very proud to be the winner of this year's Arriva Bus Driver Idol. I would like to say a big thank you to all the customers who called in and nominated me.

Nick Gordon, marketing manager at Arriva North West and Wales , said:

We're very pleased to make Sally our Bus Idol for 2005 but we mustn't forget all of the other drivers who were nominated. We were staggered, not only by the number of calls we received but also by the complimentary comments given and we will be individually recognising each of the drivers who were nominated.

Bus Driver Idol has been extremely successful once again this year, and proves just how popular our drivers are with our customers. It's always good to hear how our customers feel and we'd like to thank everyone who made a nomination.

Note to editors

• 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 'Little Books of bus travel' – with money-off vouchers and information about local bus services - to thousands of households along key bus routes in this area next month.
• Arriva is one of the largest private sector providers of passenger transport in mainland Europe. Employing more than 30,000 people and providing more than one billion passenger journeys every year.
• Arriva provides transport services including buses, trains, commuter coaches and water buses in eight European countries - Denmark, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
• Arriva is the largest private bus operator in Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands and is London's largest operator. Arriva was the first private company to be awarded rail contracts in Denmark.
• In the last five years, the turnover of Arriva's mainland European operations has increased by more than 250 per cent to £514.8 million (Euro €757.9 million).