Christchurch Bus Driver Is The Best

MEDIA RELEASE October 1 2007

Christchurch Bus Driver Is The Best – On Both Sides Of The Tasman

It's official – Christchurch is home to Australasia's best bus driver.

Mike North from Red Bus competed in New Zealand's first ever Tranzqual ITO Australasian Bus Roadeo this weekend and won the Bus Driver of the Year award.

The Bus Roadeo was held at the Wigram Air Base in Christchurch where 16 top Kiwi drivers and three of Australian's best, tested their skills in driving, bus knowledge and customer service.

Mike North, who joined Red Bus in 2005 after a career driving taxis and light trucks, competed in the event along with a colleague Norm Cook, and three other Christchurch drivers - Fraser Robertson from Leopard and Norm Marriner and Norma Milne from Christchurch Passenger Transport.

Mr North was given his award at an evening celebration last night at Jade Stadium.

Second place went to Australian driver Roy Ida from Parramatta and third place was won by Ranui Hui from Ritchies Transport in Swanson. The award for best customer service went to Palmerston North driver Matthew Best from Tranzit Route Services.

The drivers were chosen to compete in the country's first Bus Roadeo because of their low complaint and accident rates, great customer service and professionalism.

Australia held its first Bus Roadeo back in 1991, and last year a team from Red Bus in Christchurch became the first New Zealanders to compete against the best of Australia.

John Collyns, Executive Director of the Bus and Coach Association was the catalyst in bringing this event to Kiwi shores.

"Last year a small, but brave, contingent took it to the Aussies and had a great time showing them how we do it over here. Our guys said it was a career highlight. So we decided to hold the event here and find our own top driver."

For Tranzqual ITO, the rationale to support this event was simple. "We're delighted to be associated with this high-profile event. It provided us with a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance of industry training, which is an integral part of achieving excellence," CEO Wayne Smith said.

Roadeos have been held across North America for more than 40 years, with local winners progressing through State competitions to a huge National Final.

ends

© Scoop Media