Flexible and Friendly - Rochdale Busman Usman wins Coveted Cup

Friday, 12 May 2023 16:50

By David Murphy

Pride of the North trophy winner is a customer and colleague favourite

His colleagues say his flexible and friendly approach to his work makes him a first-class team player – and now Rochdale busman Usman Aziz is celebrating awards success after winning bus firm Transdev’s coveted Pride of the North trophy.

Bus driver Usman is the toast of his colleagues at Rosso’s Rochdale depot after his managers nominated him for the win.

Parent firm Transdev revived its Pride of the North Cup following the pandemic to salute its drivers who receive the most positive feedback from customers for their smooth and safe travels and friendly welcome on board.

The bus firm’s unsung heroes at depots across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire who drive thousands of people to work, the shops or an amazing day out compete for a specially created Pride of the North trophy to celebrate the best of the best.

Usman was nominated to win by Rosso Service Delivery Manager Lee Wardle, who says the caring busman is a deserved winner.

Lee said: “Usman has been with us for 1 year and 5 months. He took it upon himself to make sure he knows all our service routes and school journeys, so he could progress to be a route mentor and support his colleagues.

“He never hesitates to help us cover work when he is asked. All the feedback on Usman from our new drivers is excellent - he goes out of his way to help them when they ask and makes sure they know everything before they go out on the road on their own.

“Usman is also a favourite with our customers, with zero complaints and an excellent attendance record also demonstrating his commitment to his work.”

The bus company also presents its Transdev Honours to a single champion from each of its depots across the North, including cleaners, travel shop staff and engineers as well as drivers, with nominations from colleagues and customers. The Transdev Honours were created in 2020 to recognise those who gave outstanding service in a challenging year for the operator and the wider bus industry.

Customers can nominate any driver they feel has gone the extra mile to give them an amazing journey by emailing: PrideoftheNorthCup@transdevbus.co.uk.