Press releases

Bus driver Scott McHale from Arriva's Gillingham depot beat off fierce competition at the 40th national final of the prestigious Bus Driver of the Year contest at Blackpool on Sunday (10 September) to win the highly coveted title of Bus Driver of the Year 2006.

One of 121 drivers taking part who represented bus companies from around the UK, he successfully completed the driving course and theory test with less penalty points than any of the other drivers.

Scott qualified for the final at a local event held at Kent Showground in May, at which drivers from various Arriva Southern Counties' depots were put through their paces to find the top three who would go to the national final.

The contest allows drivers to demonstrate their professional skills in a competitive environment and the Bus Driver of the Year title is much sought after.

Arriva Southern Counties' managing director, Heath Williams, said:

We are extremely proud of Scott and delighted that he won such a highly acclaimed contest which allows drivers to show off their skills behind the wheel. He is a credit to the Arriva team.

Surrounded by the trophies, silverware, medals and certificates he brought home from Blackpool, Scott said:

It hasn't really sunk in yet, but it was a tremendous surprise and honour to win the top award.

Scott McHale (left) is congratulated by Arriva Southern Counties' managing director, Heath Williams.

Notes to editors

• 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 increase by more than 250 per cent to £514.8 million (Euro 746 million).
• Arriva was the first UK transport company to become a signatory of the European Road Safety Charter – http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/roadsafety/charter.htm.