Swindon Borough Council has launched its Brilliant Bus Drivers campaign as part of Catch the Bus Month 2026, inviting passengers to nominate drivers who have made a positive difference to their journey.
The campaign is being run alongside local Bus Service Improvement Plan partners, including Swindon’s Bus Company and Stagecoach West, and will culminate in one driver being named Swindon’s Brilliant Bus Driver 2026.
Passengers are being encouraged to share examples of drivers providing a friendly welcome, helping someone in need, supporting vulnerable customers or simply delivering particularly good customer service.
Anyone submitting a nomination can also choose to enter a free prize draw for the chance to win one month’s free bus travel through the Swindon’s Bus Company app.
Councillor Nick Gardiner, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:
“Bus drivers are often the public face of our local transport network, and play a vital role in helping people travel confidently and independently.
“This campaign is a fantastic way to recognise the everyday acts of kindness and professionalism that make a real difference to passengers, while celebrating the positive impact buses have on our communities.
“We know there are many drivers across Swindon who go above and beyond for their passengers every day, and we look forward to hearing stories that make them stand out.”
Dave Hall, Swindon’s Bus Company operations manager, said the company regularly receives positive feedback about its drivers.
He said:
“Our drivers take great pride in supporting customers and connecting communities across Swindon.
“We regularly receive wonderful feedback about the difference they make to people’s journeys, and we’re delighted to support this campaign and help celebrate their achievements.”
Stagecoach West is also supporting the initiative.
Managing director Martin Gibbon said: “Catch the Bus Month is a great opportunity to celebrate the role that bus travel plays in connecting people with their communities, whether that’s getting to work, education, shopping or seeing friends and family.
“At Stagecoach West, we’re delighted to be part of the campaign and excited to offer customers the chance to win a month’s free bus travel.
“It’s a fantastic way to encourage more people to give the bus a try and discover the benefits of travelling by public transport.
“We also want to take this opportunity to recognise and thank our brilliant drivers, who are at the heart of everything we do. Their commitment, professionalism and dedication to our customers every day make a real difference to the communities we serve.”
To nominate a driver, passengers will be asked to provide the date and time of their journey, the route or service and direction of travel, and the driver’s name if known – or a description to help identify them.
They will also be asked to explain why they believe the driver deserves recognition.
Nominations are open throughout September, with the winning driver’s story set to be shared by the organisations involved in the campaign.
Passengers can submit a nomination using the Swindon’s Brilliant Bus Drivers nomination form.
