Xplore Dundee’s top driver is travelling to Blackpool to compete in this weekend’s Bus Driver of the Year competition.

John Black will travel south for the finals this weekend after making it through the qualifying heats alongside fellow drivers from National Express West Midlands.  Last year John was the highest placed National Express competitor, earning him a trophy and 16th position overall. 

Managing Director Christine McGlasson said, “We value the skills of all our drivers, and a lot of time is taken to train and continue training our employees to make sure that everyone is hitting the high standards our customers expect. 

“I’m certain that John will do us proud again this year and wish him the very best of luck on behalf of all of his colleagues at Xplore Dundee!”

Each contestant faces a tough examination of their skills, with a theory test and then a practical assessment which judges manoeuvring, signalling and positioning, all with safety at the top of the agenda.   

The buses used in the competition are provided by operators across the UK and this year the vehicle being supplied on behalf of Xplore is the newly-branded Dundee Pride Bus.  

This rainbow-coloured double decker will then make the journey north on Sunday and, after a quick clean and polish, will go into service on the streets of Dundee for three weeks before taking centre stage at the Pride event itself on Saturday 21st October.  

When the Rainbow Bus hits the roads from 3rd September, customers are urged to keep a look out for their chance to win a VIP wristband to access all areas at Pride Village.  Winners will be chosen at random, and there will be two ways to enter:

• Snap and send Xplore Dundee a photo of the Rainbow Bus when you see it out and about, or share it using the hashtag #SpotTheStripes
• Comment and guess where the Rainbow Bus is when Xplore Dundee posts photos each day on its Facebook, Twitter & Instagram pages

Not only that but anyone heading into town to celebrate on 21st September can get a Special DaySaver for just £3 with a rainbow wristband (available from Pride Dundee for a small donation).

There’s more information about the Spot the Stripes competition and Special Daysaver at xploredundee.com or on Xplore Dundee’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.