2022 Bus Driver of the Year Final in Blackpool

Preston Bus Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini 40628 in the old Corporation maroon and cream livery

After a two year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Bus Driver of the Year competition is back, last having been held in 2019. The National Final was rescheduled this year, from its traditional slot of the first weekend in September, to Sunday 2nd October. The event was held in Blackpool as usual, with twelve buses being used for the driving tests this year, hailing from all over the country. During the final, entrants gain points for successfully completing a series of tasks on a driving course, or correctly answering questions in the theory test. On competition day, all entrants are deemed to be working for the fictitious Middle Walk Bus Company, and receive a copy of the company code of conduct. The driving section of the competition takes place along the North Promenade, between Gynn Square and the Metropole Hotel, returning along Middle Walk, where a further series of tests are set for each of the drivers. Drivers are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at temporary bus stops along the route, which have been pre-positioned for the Middle Walk Bus Company. The 54th National Final attracted 89 entrants this year, from bus operators nationwide.

Diamond Bus North West Wright StreetDeck 40804 which operates out of Bolton

Stagecoach Lancashire Scania N250UD Enviro 400 MMC 15301 in poppy livery

Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire open top Volvo B5TL Wright Gemini 3 13804 from the Lake District

Lothian Buses Volvo B5TL Enviro 400 MMC 602 from Edinburgh

First South Yorkshire Wright StreetDeck 35128 from Sheffield

National Express West Midlands ADL Enviro 400 MMC 6795

First West Yorkshire Wright StreetDeck 35907 from Leeds

Bluestar ADL Enviro 400 MMC 1685 from Hampshire

Blackpool Transport ADL Enviro 400 City 423 in Queen's Platinum Jubilee livery

Arriva North East ADL Enviro 400 MMC 7570

First Potteries Wright StreetLite DF 63178 from Stoke-on-Trent

A Middle Walk Bus Company temporary bus stop on the test route