New career right route for driver Andy

Takes company’s top award twice

Airdrie bus driver Andrew Marsden has been named his company’s best driver twice in the space of a few months.

Andy, who works on the McGill’s 287 service, makes it his personal mission to make sure passengers leave the bus with a smile on their face.

It is a far cry from his former life as a salesman.

“I am proud and chuffed to be named McGill’s best bus driver twice since I started,” beamed Andy, 39.

“When I made the change from 21 years in sales to this I hoped my experience of meeting people would come in handy and so far it has.

“Even the schoolkids are well behaved on my route.”

The monthly McGill’s bus driver contest sees the drivers being judged on appearance, attendance, accidents, compliments and mystery passenger reports.

They win a £50 Braehead voucher and the overall winner from the five depots wins an extra day’s holiday.

Rachel Stewart of McGill’s Buses said: “Andrew is a great driver and the day I went to meet him he was busy entertaining the schoolkids, who were laughing and joking with him.

“All of the duty managers hold him in high regard and he is a lovely, hard-working driver.

“When you step on his bus there is a great atmosphere. He is a credit to McGill’s.”

Modest Andy is taking his winning streak in his stride, happily posing for selfies with passengers on his route.

“I am very proud,” he said, “as I believe customer service is important in any job.

“Everyday I get on board my bus and tell myself I will have a good day and so far this has worked out well.

“I treat everyone as politely and courteously as I can, the way that I would treat members of my own family, be it a mum, dad or grandparent.

“I was chuffed to win my vouchers as I need a new watch and have been saving up for that.”

When he is not busy behind the wheel Andy, who is also a part-time carer, can be found working out in the ring as his other passion is boxing.

Just the ticket Andy Marsden