Mariusz and Karl go the extra mile to make Bus Firm's customers smile

Champion bus drivers – Coastliner’s Mariusz Losinski, and York and Country’s Karl Spencer are both celebrating after being named among parent firm Transdev’s award winners.

York and Malton duo among Transdev’s award winners

Champion bus drivers – Coastliner’s Mariusz Losinski, and York and Country’s Karl Spencer are both celebrating after being named among parent firm Transdev’s award winners.

Transdev revived its Pride of the North Cup following the pandemic to salute its drivers who receive the most positive feedback from customers for their smooth and safe travels and friendly welcome on board.

The bus firm’s unsung heroes at depots across Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester who drive thousands of people to work, the shops or an amazing day out compete for a specially created Pride of the North trophy to celebrate the best of the best.

Malton-based Mariusz was nominated by one of his customers on board Britain’s Most Scenic Bus Route, Coastliner’s 840 from Leeds and York to Whitby, for his cool and calm handling of a medical emergency during a journey over the North York Moors.

The customer wrote: “We had just left Thornton-le-Dale and begun the climb up onto the Moors – before we got to The Fox and Rabbit Inn, there was a medical emergency downstairs.

Award Winner Mariusz

“The driver (Mariusz) dealt with the situation quickly, making a phone call to the bus company. Unfortunately, the situation worsened and the driver had to call 999 to request an ambulance on behalf of the poorly passenger. The paramedics arrived and we continued our journey.

“On my return journey from Sleights two days later, the same driver told me that the passenger had been airlifted to hospital to get the medical assistance he needed. I could tell that this driver really cared about his passengers - his general attitude was happy and friendly, and his customer service was great.”

Drivers based at all 10 of Transdev’s depots compete every month to add their names to the coveted Pride of the North Cup – along with a certificate to keep and a monthly prize.

The bus firm also presents its Transdev Honours to a single champion from each of its depots across the North, including cleaners, travel shop staff and engineers as well as drivers, with nominations from colleagues and customers. The Honours were created in 2020 to recognise those who gave outstanding service in a challenging year.

York-based bus driver Karl Spencer was put forward for a Transdev Honours award by his managers Kel Pizzuti and Adam Emmott after he was involved in a motorcycle accident on his way to work in the early hours.

Kel said: “Not wanting to leave our drivers standing outside the gate and our customers waiting for their buses, Karl picked himself up and got back on his badly damaged bike to make it to work and open up.

Award Winner Karl

“Amazingly, not only did Karl manage to make it in – he did so with a severely broken ankle and was pouring with blood from his other injuries. We’re impressed and eternally grateful that he put the needs of the business and its customers before himself.

“Karl is now at home recovering after surgery to his ankle and is raring to go back into the hot seat. He’s a truly deserving winner, and an enormous asset to our team.”

Customers can nominate any driver they feel has gone the extra mile to give them an amazing journey by emailing: PrideoftheNorthCup@transdevbus.co.uk.