25 November 2024
Media Release
Metro bus driver Deb Grace has been named the Australian Bus Driver of the Year by the Bus Industry Confederation (BIC).
Announced at the national conference at Wrest Point in Hobart on Thursday night (21 November), Deb has been at Metro for 25-years and is the company’s longest serving female bus driver.
Deb was nominated for the award because of her “…great commitment to being a bus driver, approaching her job with pride every day.”
When it is safe to do so, Deb is known to help customers on and off the bus, to reduce speed when an injured passenger is aboard or to take extra precautions at bus stops.
Her nomination for the award said:
“She will wait for passengers who are close to the stop or pull in a few metres before the stop so passengers with leg injuries do not have to walk as far — always when it is safe and appropriate to do so. These extra touches of care mean a lot to our customers, and Deb’s attention to safety is noted by other motorists. It takes a lot of skill to be able to drive flexibly, particularly when operating a heavy vehicle.”
Deb said she felt “so honoured” to have been nominated.
“It means a lot to me,” she said. “I have enjoyed my 25 years and to see all the hard work has paid off.”
Metro CEO Katie Cooper said Deb was a dedicated driver who was clearly passionate about her job.
“Deb’s compliments from customers show that she is consistently thoughtful, empathetic and caring,” she said.
“She has attention to detail that customers have noted and appreciated – whether it be helping parents travelling with young children, helping them pick the best route or assisting customers travelling with an injury, Deb shows great care for our customers.”
Ms Cooper said she and everyone at Metro was proud of Deb’s significant, national achievement.
“It is a real honour for Deb, and we are very pleased that a Metro driver has been rewarded with this national recognition,” she said.
Deb’s driving record is exemplary.
Though her preference is to drive buses, in her 25-years with Metro she has worked as a relief driver trainer when required and has also been a support driver – a driver who sits with new recruits on their bus runs until they feel comfortable being on the road alone.