Scania Bus Driver Competition run and won

Greyhound Australia driver clinches Scania Australia's gruelling bus driver challenge

Scania presented the winners of the 2016 Bus Driver Competition with their prizes and announced the final finishing order at the Scania Dinner at the Bus Industry Confederation Conference in Perth on November 8.

Greyhound Australia driver Damien Christensen (pictured, right), from Townsville, Qld, won the competition, which took place on Friday, October 28. Second was Leah Hahn from Mees Bus Lines in Victoria, with Tim Krekt from Sunstate Charters in Queensland third.

This was the third time Australia has hosted a version of Scania's long-running global challenge to find the country's best bus/coach driver. The national finals were held in Melbourne the day after the 2016 Scania Truck Driver Competition, which was won by WA driver Glenn 'Yogi' Kendall (pictured, left).

All finalists in the bus competition were challenged to undertake seven manoeuvring activities behind the wheel of a Scania K 310 UB 4x2 bus with a Volgren Optimus body. Identical vehicles were used for a road drive, while each of the finalists faced a 30-question road rule test and a simulated media interview to gauge their views on the passenger transport industry.

"Scania put 11 talented finalists through a tough series of tests on the road and behind a desk in order to determine who would win the coveted Champion Driver status," said Ron Szulc, Brand & Communication Manager for Scania Australia.

"This unique competition puts the spotlight on safe, skilful and efficient driving, underscoring the high levels of professionalism among today's bus and coach drivers," he said.

"Day-to-day, Australia's bus and coach drivers are largely unappreciated for the hard work they do against tough timetables, battling congested roads and all manner of other road users.

"The competition highlights driving skills that contribute to reducing driver stress and improving the customer experience.

"By putting these finalists to the test we expose their high levels of ability, but also importantly give them a chance to meet with other like-minded, passionate and committed bus and coach drivers who can impact the industry with their professionalism, courtesy and leadership.

"As a company, we put a lot of effort into supporting drivers and enhancing their standing within their communities locally and globally via the Scania Driver Competitions. We congratulate not only the winners but all the finalists for their efforts today and every day."

Damien Christensen said taking part in the competition was a fantastic experience.

"I was a little nervous at first, but it has been a really good day and I have learned a lot," he said.

"It is a great way to bring recognition to people of the industry."

Damien, who is the North Queensland Driver Supervisor of Greyhound Australia based in Townsville, said he started driving buses and coaches at 24.

"In 1996 I started as a bus-washer," he said.

"I went into the cooking industry and decided after a while I had had enough of that, then I returned to driving coaches and that's where I am now. The best thing about my job is there's something different every day."

Scania Bus Driver Competition run and won

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