IS JAMES THE UK’S BEST?
SKYLINK DRIVER UP FOR NATIONAL TITLE
A NOTTINGHAMSHIRE bus driver who takes passengers to and from East Midlands Airport is in the running to be recognised as the UK’S best.
James Kearney, 46, of Radcliffe-ontrent, is one of eight finalists in the Top National Driver category of the UK Bus Awards 2018.
Mr Kearney, who sits behind the wheel of Trentbarton’s Skylink service, previously told the Post that the secret to being an acclaimed driver was treating passengers like he treats his mum.
He will find out if he is successful at a ceremony in London on November 20.
He said: “It’s brilliant to get to a national final for doing a job I enjoy so much. I love working with the public.”
Sharon Bailey, the operations manager who manages James, said: “He never has a bad day on the job. When driving, he’s so friendly with the customers. You only have to meet him to feel that you instantly have a relationship with him.”
He was nominated for the national award by Trentbarton after winning its Driver of the Year title in April.
James scooped that award for his work on the mainline and then Skylink Nottingham, on which he whisks customers to and from East Midlands Airport – from Nottingham, Loughborough, Long Eaton, Shepshed and Coalville.
James has an unblemished record of no accidents in the past three years, and no days off work.
The mystery auditors who rode on his buses for Trentbarton’s awards said James was “as good as it gets”.
Jeff Counsell, managing director of Trentbarton, said: “Hugely deserved congratulations to James for making it to the national finals. We believe he’s that special he can go one better and bring home the national prize.
“Our drivers have won the UK Bus Awards Driver of the Year title more times than any other company. There’s a reason for that – our drivers are the best in the business and James embodies all that is great about our team.”
Mark Yexley, chairman of the UK Bus Awards, said: “Our finalists not only demonstrate an impressive commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience, but a personal dedication to the journey and service itself.
“It’s a great achievement to reach the final and we wish James the very best of luck.”