Tracey and Craig aim to catch a UK Bus Award

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 2 November 2019

trentbarton bus driver Tracey Pemberton and engineering team leader Craig Trueman are both in the running for a 2019 UK Bus Award.

Tracey, who drives the two between Ilkeston and Nottingham, has been announced as a finalist for the Top National Bus Driver, Craig, who is based at trentbarton’s Nottingham depot, is a finalist in the Unsung Heroes Award.

Both will find out if they have won at a ceremony in London on November 19 when the cream of the UK’s bus operators gathers to see the winners revealed.

Tracey, 51, who lives in Heanor, is already enjoying a triumphant 2019, being named Driver of the Year in trentbarton’s own really good service awards. She hasn’t missed a day’s work since 2014.

Aaron Irwin, operations manager at trentbarton, first met Tracey 12 years ago when they were fellow drivers. Aaron said:

“Her attendance record is really spectacular. Tracey does so many good things and is a great ambassador for trentbarton.”

Tracey, who has driven for trentbarton for 14 years after switching career, said:

“Everyone who gets on my bus is lovely. They make your job nice. I love people, I've always loved people, and I love doing this job.”

Craig, 32, from Wollaton, achieved a 100 per cent pass rate with the 60 buses he prepared for their rigorous PSV test last year. And he took on responsibility for servicing and repairing the air conditioning systems on all trentbarton’s buses.

Harold Rose, area engineering manager for trentbarton.

“Craig is a star. There is nothing so sure in my eyes as that. I simply can’t fault him.”

Craig, who won Engineer of the Year at April’s really good service awards, said:

“I was quite shocked to hear I was a finalist. I knew I had been nominated, but I was very surprised to make the final. It’s nice to know your work is recognised.”

Mark Yexley, chairman of the UK Bus Awards, said:

“Reaching the finals is a huge achievement and the people awards are highly contested. Both Tracy and Craig should be extremely proud.

“Our top driver finalists demonstrate an impressive commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience and a safe and comfortable journey, and the Unsung Heroes do so much behind the scenes in order to keep the business, and buses running smoothly.”

trentbarton managing director Jeff Counsell said:

“Congratulations to Craig and to Tracey. Craig is the running for the Unsung Heroes Award, but there are no shortage of colleagues and managers already keen to sing his praises.

“And Tracey is a superstar of a driver, combining superb driving with first-class people skills. Her customers love her, and they will be the first to congratulate Tracey if she could lift the ultimate prize.”

In 2015 red arrow driver Carole Hind was crowned the first ever female winner of the UK Bus Driver of the Year.

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