A familiar face to staff and students has been recognised at this year’s UK Bus Awards.

Phil Rowson, driver of the 34 bus, picked up the Bronze Medal at this year’s UK Bus Awards in the ‘Top National Bus Driver’ category – making him officially the third best bus driver in the whole of the UK.

Nottingham City Transport‘s Orange Uni 34 bus links University Park Campus to the city centre and is used by hundreds of University staff and students every day. Known for his warm, friendly attitude and enthusiasm for learning the native languages of international student passengers, Phil was named NCT’s ‘Driver of the Year’ in January 2015 which saw him shortlisted for the UK awards.

Beaten to the top spot by Denis McMahon from Abelio Surrey in silver, and Carole Hind from trentbarton with gold, Phil was gracious to the last – offering congratulations to his fellow drivers who made the podium.

Phil said: “Denis and Carole fully deserve this recognition from the UK Bus Awards and I’d like to say a big congratulations to both of them – especially Carole who will be bringing the award back to Nottingham which is great news for our city!”

UK Bus Awards chairman Tony Depledge commented: “Every one of the 400 entrants has a good story to tell; all the finalists deserve their nominations, every Gold, Silver and Bronze winner is a lesson and an inspiration”.

For more information, visit the Nottingham City Transport website.