Scott wins national Bus Driver of the Year contest

Bus driver Scott McHale from Arriva's Gillingham depot beat offfierce competition at the 40th national final of the prestigiousBus Driver of the Year contest at Blackpool on Sunday (10September) to win the highly coveted title of Bus Driver of theYear 2006.

One of 121 drivers taking part who represented bus companiesfrom around the UK, he successfully completed the driving courseand theory test with less penalty points than any of the otherdrivers.

Scott qualified for the final at a local event held at KentShowground in May, at which drivers from various Arriva SouthernCounties' depots were put through their paces to find the top threewho would go to the national final.

The contest allows drivers to demonstrate their professionalskills in a competitive environment and the Bus Driver of the Yeartitle is much sought after.

Arriva Southern Counties' managing director, Heath Williams,said:

We are extremely proud of Scott and delighted that hewon such a highly acclaimed contest which allows drivers to showoff their skills behind the wheel. He is a credit to the Arrivateam.

Surrounded by the trophies, silverware, medals and certificateshe brought home from Blackpool, Scott said:

It hasn't really sunk in yet, but it was a tremendoussurprise and honour to win the top award.

Scott McHale (left) is congratulated by ArrivaSouthern Counties' managing director, Heath Williams.

Notes to editors

• Arriva is one of the largest private sector providers ofpassenger transport in mainland Europe. Employing more than 30,000people and providing more than one billion passenger journeys everyyear.
• Arriva provides transport services including buses, trains,commuter coaches and water buses in eight European countries– Denmark, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain,Sweden and the UK.
• Arriva is the largest private bus operator in Italy, Denmarkand the Netherlands and is London's largest operator. Arriva wasthe first private company to be awarded rail contracts inDenmark.
• In the last five years, the turnover of Arriva's mainlandEuropean operations has increase by more than 250 per cent to£514.8 million (Euro 746 million).
• Arriva was the first UK transport company to become a signatoryof the European Road Safety Charter –http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/roadsafety/charter.htm.