Premier award won by Bournemouth bus driver

Yellow Buses’ driver Mark Dean has been crowned UK Bus Driver of the Year.

The 41-year-old beat off competition from more than 100 fellow bus professionals to lift the national title in Blackpool as well as £1,500 in prize money.

His success followed a gruelling set of theory and practical road tests, described by Mark as ‘the toughest I’ve ever come across.’

“I was mentally and physically exhausted, but to win the contest is, without doubt, the proudest moment of my career. I’m on cloud nine,” he said.

The national contest is regarded as the bus industry’s premier award for drivers and is now in its 44th year.

“My partner, Sarah, just screamed down the phone when I told her that I’d won. The reaction from everyone has been fantastic and quite overwhelming,” said Mark who joined Bournemouth Transport (Yellow Buses) in 1998 before becoming a taxi driver. He rejoined the company’s coach department in 2003.

Derek Lott, Yellow Buses’ Managing Director, said, “This is an outstanding achievement and we are all exceptionally proud of Mark.

“The Bus Driver of the Year competition is highly prized and for it to be won by a member of the Bournemouth Transport team is a huge honour.”