Rain or shine, early mornings or late nights, our 2,000 bus drivers are out on the road, keeping our passengers moving and our communities connected, ensuring people reach their destinations safely.  

Join us this Transit Driver Appreciation Day (March 18) to recognise our bus drivers for their patience and professionalism, making a real difference in people’s lives every day. 

A smile, a wave, or a simple ‘thank you’ from passengers can go a long way in making our bus drivers’ day, as in these examples.  

John Norris from Heatherbrae, has been a familiar face to many school students over the years. Recently, a student who has been riding his bus since her very first day of school gifted him a ‘Best Bus Driver’ mug as a token of appreciation. It was a heartfelt gesture that meant a lot to John. Last year, he also earned Employee of the Month after going out of his way to return a student’s forgotten guitar just in time for their school concert. The parents and teachers were incredibly grateful for his kindness and effort. 

In Kempsey, driver Peter Costello was honoured by a local family after years of safely transporting their children to and from school. As a show of appreciation, they presented him with a custom number plate featuring the fleet number and location of his bus route. Peter proudly cherishes this unique gift, a testament to the strong bonds he has built with the families he serves. 

Rod Burton, another remarkable Busways driver, showed true heroism when he saved the life of a police employee, Mustafa. Rod noticed Mustafa unconscious at a bus stop and quickly took action, stopping the bus and calling emergency services. His swift response ensured Mustafa received the medical attention he needed. The NSW Police later visited the depot to personally thank Rod for his life-saving actions. 

Passengers often express their gratitude to our drivers by sharing feedback with our customer experience team, and their feedback highlights just how much these small acts of kindness mean. One passenger shared how a driver’s cheerful attitude and thoughtful gestures made their daily commute a pleasant experience. Another customer recalled how, on a rainy day, they struggled to get off the bus with their toddler, backpack, and broken umbrella. Seeing this, the driver not only allowed them to dispose of the broken umbrella but also offered their own to help them get home dry.  

Busways’ Customer Experience Manager, Sarah Langthorne, recognises the service our drivers provide every day. “We constantly hear from our customers about the positive ways our bus drivers impact their lives. From simple acts of kindness to going above and beyond, our drivers do so much more than just drive—they embody the spirit of community and service.” 

To all our bus drivers: thank you. Your dedication, hard work, and passion for excellence help keep our communities moving, and we are truly grateful for everything you do.