Two Christchurch bus drivers can now claim they are among the country’s best, after winning the top two awards at Go Bus Transport’s Bus Roadeo at the Airforce Museum in Wigram on Saturday March 11.
Raymund Llamas was named Go Bus Driver of the Year, and Arvinder Singh Runner-up, after demonstrating their capabilities in four different disciplines – theory, vehicle inspection, customer service and driving skills at the bi-annual event.
“It is an honour to be named Go Bus Driver of the Year,” says Mr. Llamas. “I aim to be the very best bus driver for my passengers every day, and it is great to be acknowledged for this service.”
Mr. Singh agrees saying he was humbled to be recognised among some of the companies’ best drivers.
“I received all my training from Go Bus and I am grateful to the team in Christchurch for all their support. I started bus driving in September 2015, and to be recognised among drivers with far more experience is very special,” he says.
Go Bus Managing Director Calum Haslop says all the competitors should be proud of their performance at Saturday’s competition – displaying all the skills Go Bus expects of its drivers.
“The Bus Roadeo is a celebration of the exceptional driving and customer service skills we strive to have all our drivers demonstrate,” Mr. Haslop says. “Both Raymund and Arvinder are outstanding drivers and we are very proud to have them as part of the Go Bus team.”
From a nationwide pool of 2,200 employees 11 finalists were selected, with representatives from both the urban and school bus divisions of Go Bus. Six were from the North Island and five from the South.
Winners received a range of prizes, including the top prize of a $2000 travel voucher won by Mr. Llamas. Other awards went to Dunedin driver Willy Uelese for Top Customer Service; and Invercargill driver Anoop Kumar for Top Theory Test Result.
The bus roadeo concept started in the United States 40 years ago, and Go Bus has been running its own version in New Zealand for a number of years.
Full list of winners:
Go Bus Driver of the Year – Raymund Llamas, Christchurch
Go Bus Runner-up Driver of the Year – Arvinder Singh, Christchurch
Top Customer Service – Willy Uelese, Dunedin
Top Theory Test Result – Anoop Kumar, Invercargill
