National Express West Midlands has had to build an extension to the trophy cabinet after winning three hefty awards for its industry-leading Master Driver scheme.

Back in April, the bus company’s unique training programme won the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce award for Excellence in People Development. In November, Master Driver won Best Leadership Programme at the West Midlands Leadership Awards. And to top off this highly successful year, the scheme won the prestigious UK Bus Awards prize for Cultural Change.

At the UK Bus Awards ceremony in East London, Darren Dunbar, one of National Express West Midlands’ Master Driver Managers, confessed:

“Were there tears? Yes, there were - tears of joy and pride. This was a huge team effort. So many hardworking people within National Express - managers, trainers, and of course drivers - can all hold their heads up high.”

The company’s Master Driver programme is unique within the public transport sector. It recognises the challenges that bus drivers must overcome every day, and supports them on their journey to become the very best - Master Drivers.

The UK Bus Awards judges noted the huge impact that the Master Driver has had on the professionalism and skill of National Express drivers, and importantly, the direct effect on passengers travelling on exceptionally well driven buses.

The training programme is also improving the culture at National Express - the bus company is now able to retain highly engaged and trained employees, who are happier and safer on the roads.

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

“We would like to congratulate the team at National Express and all the Master Drivers out there! It’s great to see such an innovative scheme that’s breaking through and having such an impact on company culture."

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