David Bussey finalist for the Translink Qld Bus Driver of the Year

A dedicated local bus driver has been recognised for the second time with the community now able to vote for the best driver of the year.

Whitsunday bus driver David Bussey. Photo: Contributed

Voting is now open for the 2024 Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards with a special Whitsunday finalist up for the second time.

Whitsunday Transit bus driver David “Buzz” Bussey is no stranger to the awards, having been included as a finalist in the previous awards as well but he said he was still in shock to have been recognised for a second time.

“I’m still overwhelmed by it, I really am, I’m really shocked,” he said.

“It feels amazing, the fact that people respect me as a bus driver, as a person, to know that I’m doing something right.”

He said the reaction to him being a finalist was mind-blowing and he was overwhelmed seeing all of the comments online in support.

Whitsunday bus driver David Bussey. Photo: Contributed

Mr Bussey started driving buses nearly two decades ago in Bowen and said while it was something he stumbled into, it ended up being something he really enjoyed.

“I enjoy driving buses because I enjoy driving, I enjoy meeting people and trying to help them out any way I can,” he said.

“I enjoy the scenery around the area, every different run is a different run because you get different people on board, different characters, different questions.”

Mr Bussey said as a bus driver he was dealing with the public all of the time so it was important to provide a good experience, particularly in a tourist town.

He said going above and beyond was just a part of the job for him, giving people a hand off and on the bus or going off route to drop people at their doors might get him into trouble but he got a lot of enjoyment out of making people happy.

“It’s worth the effort,” he said.

His most memorable moment is one which he said still brings tears to his eyes.

A local young boy who would regularly catch his bus had a bicycle accident that landed him in a coma.

Mr Bussey knew he liked cards and postcards so he put together a big card and had all of the kids on the bus service and a few locals sign it to be given to the boy’s father.

He said the father started reading the card out loud and the boy started to move.

When he came out of the coma Mr Bussey said one of the first things he said was “where’s my card, dad?”

Years later the memory became even more special when the boy made the trip back over to the Whitsundays from WA and brought Mr Bussey a six-pack of beer to say thank you.

Bus driver of the year finalists. Photo: Contributed

Translink Deputy Director-General, Dr Deborah Hume, thanked this year’s nominees for going above and beyond in their role.

“Bus drivers play a crucial role in keeping our communities moving and Translink’s Bus Driver of the Year Awards are a wonderful opportunity for customers to show their appreciation to drivers who go that extra mile, every day, for their customers,” she said.

Mr Bussey said he was so thankful to all of the people who supported him and helped him in any form or way to get to this point, including Whitsunday Transit.

The winners will be announced during this year’s Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) Annual Gala Dinner & Awards Night in Cairns in April.

Voting is open until March 28 at translink.com.au/driverawards.