Vanessa Jackson - Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Northern Star driver Vanessa Jackson has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month for June 2010 after a passenger's compliments.

"As we boarded the bus she asked if we were aware of the new bus route and the new stop as you reach Colombo Street and where to pick it up to go home," said the passenger.

"(I was) very impressed with (her) pleasant and informative manner."

Vanessa has worked for Christchurch Bus Services, operators of the Northern Star service, for six years. A highlight of her job as a bus driver is meeting people.

"I prefer to be driving around than sitting in an office. There is always something happening and I never get bored," says Vanessa.

Colleen Steel - Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Colleen Steel, a driver with Christchurch Bus Services has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month after a passenger’s compliments.

“She is very helpful, courteous and friendly. She also stops for me if I am running late.

“She is certainly not afraid to tell the school kids off for bad language and making too much noise.”

Colleen drives the Halswell and Queenspark routes for Christchurch Bus Services and has been a bus driver for nearly five years.

Colleen says she enjoys being a bus driver and “being out and about and meeting people”.

Two Red Bus drivers have been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month for April 2010.

Quintin Jackson (on the left of the photograph) drives the Southshore and Lincoln routes while Garry Smith (on the right of the photograph) is a Metrostar driver.

One of Quintin’s passengers nominated him as bus driver of the month and described him as “incredibly friendly and helpful, and (he) treats us as passengers with great respect (for instance, he explains to us if he has to wait for any reason)”.

“Today he was running a bit early and stopped at New Brighton to catch up. With all the buses around, some of the passengers were confused about whether or not it was our bus. So he got off and shepherded at least three regulars in, and checked with the school students waiting nearby that they were waiting for the right bus. Then he and another bus driver radio-ed each other to ensure that the other driver was aware of the students. He is a wonderful driver, and deserves driver of the month.”

Quintin has been a bus driver for 10 years and has worked for Red Bus for half of that time. He says he “likes being my own boss, meeting people – and every trip is different”.

Garry Smith has been a driver with Red Bus for two years and enjoys driving the Metrostar service. He was awarded the bus driver of the month when he helped some visitors to Christchurch return to the city from the Airforce Museum.

“The waiting seemed never ending when an orange bus appeared and pulled up. We explained to the bus driver, Garry, where we wanted to go. He advised that he didn't go there but would be happy to take us to a stop where buses were more frequent.

“After a lovely drive around Christchurch he let us off at a stop and explained which buses to catch that would take us where we wanted to go. His pleasant manner and helpfulness were so very welcome when we were in Christchurch for just a couple of days to celebrate my 60th birthday. It made our last day in Christchurch very pleasant.”

Helping an elderly lady head in the right direction when she got off the bus at Ferry Road has earned Leopard bus driver Graeme King the Metro Bus Driver of the Month.

When the lady went the wrong way, Graeme got off the bus twice to find out where she was going and pointed her in the right direction, a passenger told Metro Info.

Another passenger commented that "it was a pleasure to travel" with Graeme and it made them want to keep travelling by bus.

Graeme, who drives the Orbiter bus route, has been a bus driver for only 4 months and says he enjoys the contact with people and "brightening up people's days".

Going out of his way to help his passengers has led to Wayne Copland, from Red Bus, being named Metro Bus Driver of the Month for February 2010.

A passenger on the Redwood/Spreydon bus contacted Metroinfo and described Mr Copland as "very polite and friendly driver, pleasant and helpful to all passengers". Wayne impressed the passenger with his knowledge of Christchurch's bus services.

"He went out of his way to ensure that a passenger knew which connecting bus to catch - pointed out where she could catch it from, what route number and route name to look out for, and which suburbs the bus would pass through."

The passenger described Wayne Copland as an "absolute credit to your company and his profession".

Wayne won Metro Driver of the Month last year as well. He has worked with Red Bus for nearly two years and drives both the Burnside/Spreydon and Spreydon/Redwood routes.

Two bus drivers have been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month for January 2010 following compliments from passengers on their excellent service.

Fred Tiaitia has been a bus driver with Leopard 13 years. The passenger contacted Metroinfo to say how respectful, patient and helpful Fred was with international travellers from a cruise ship during a journey on the Riccarton to Heathcote route.

"The driver was absolutely fantastic … he patiently answered the same question again and again, always with a smile."

"He was also so respectful and helpful to the people with disabilities. I liked the way he waited until they sat down before he drove off. He also did this with the elderly passengers.

"I know you were just 'doing your job' but you did it with such respect," said the passenger.

Fred has been a bus driver for 23 years and says he "absolutely loves driving and meeting different people from all over the world".

Andrew Palenski from Red Bus was the other driver to be named Metro Driver of the Month after he got off the bus to assist a disabled passenger with speech problems and was in an electric wheelchair.

"The driver was so patient with the passenger ensuring he was securely positioned (on the bus) and ensuring he knew where the passenger wanted to get off," said a fellow passenger on the Airport to Sumner bus.

"When we reached the bus exchange he then helped the disabled person off the bus.

"I know that this is part of his job but it was such a pleasure to see him carry out his duties with such a caring and pleasant manner. It made my day!!!!"

Andrew Palenski has been driving with Red Bus for over three years and also drives the Lyttelton and Lincoln express routes. He enjoys the independence of being a bus driver and meeting people.

Noeline Compton – Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Metrostar driver Noeline Compton has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month for December 2009.

A passenger telephoned MetroInfo to compliment Noeline when she made sure a young girl at Hornby took the right bus to connect to Lincoln.

Noeline has worked for Red Bus for 5 years. The Metrostar service travels from New Brighton to Halswell and return.

Highly commended in December were Red Bus drivers Ropati Pale and Alan Johnston. MetroInfo again received compliments about these drivers from passengers.

Ropati Pale was driving the Russley Avondale route when he stopped to help an elderly lady who had fallen on the footpath.

Alan Johnston, a driver on the Hei Hei Burwood Red Bus was complimented on his polite and cheerful attitude.

"His manner and personality were a delight," said the passenger.

Cheryl Birtles – Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Delivering a lost wallet to a passenger's letterbox has led to Cheryl Birtles being named Metro Bus Driver of the Month for November 2009.

The passenger, Shaun, left his wallet on Cheryl's bus in mid-November and contacted Red Bus to report it. She found the wallet and then offered to drop it off in his letterbox.

"He was very upset and was made very happy by Cheryl's kindness and thoughtfulness," said Metro Info.

Cheryl, who drives the Burnham route and has worked for Red Bus for 27 years, enjoys being a bus driver.

"I like meeting and mixing with people from all over the world sharing the knowledge and history of Christchurch with our visitors from cruise ships, being my own boss on board and creating a nice clean, friendly environment," says Cheryl.

"It's better than any indoor job!"

Wayne Copland – Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Cheering up a young passenger on one of his buses has led to Wayne Copland being named Metro Bus Driver of the Month.

A passenger wrote to Metro and described Mr Copland as the "most friendly, considerate and genuinely polite bus driver". The young girl boarded the bus at Opawa and was almost in tears. After trying to cheer her up he pulled out an envelope of stickers and gave them to her.

"She immediately warmed up and her repressed sobbing disappeared... the bus driver showed genuine concern and friendliness," said the passenger. "I was truly touched by his humanity."

Wayne Copland has worked with Red Bus for 20 months and drives the 20 Burnside/Spreydon and 22 Spreydon/Redwood routes.

Highly commended this month were John Langan from Leopard and Ofa Fangu Fangu from Christchurch Bus Services.

Helen Black-Hart – Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Two compliments from passengers about Red Bus driver Helen Black-Hart have earned her the title of Metro Bus Driver of the Month.

One woman and her children said Helen went out of her way to make sure they had a very positive, enjoyable bus trip into the city on the Avonhead-Sumner service. Helen also let the 4-year-old child have a turn at pressing the bell and told the family where the closest bus stop was for them to catch the bus back home.

"Helen is a credit to the Red Bus company and much appreciated by her passengers."

A second passenger on the Hornby-Southshore route described Helen has a "lovely lady who looks after her passengers very well, lots of laughs. She also drives carefully and doesn't jerk the bus when pulling into bus stops."

Helen has been with Red Bus for 4 years and drives the Lincoln, New Brighton/Parkside, Shirley, Southshore/Hornby and Hornby/Brighton routes.

Jovan Marinkovich – Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Helping a blind man to catch the right bus earned Jovan Marinkovich from Red Bus the title of Metro Bus Driver of the Month.

A bus passenger said that while waiting at Westfield Riccarton, Jovan got off the bus to ask the man with his guide dog about which bus he was waiting for and then waved down the Orbiter for him.

"I was very impressed as most drivers would not have been so helpful on such a cold day!" said the passenger.

Jovan has been a bus driver for 18 months and drives the Avonhead/Sumner and Lyttelton routes for Red Bus.

Gerard McIlroy, also from Red Bus, was Highly Commended.

Bradley Mannering – Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Orbiter driver Bradley Mannering has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month for July following compliments from passengers about his service on the bus route.

One compliment was that Brad is “always helpful” and assisted a passenger who uses a walker frame on to the bus. Another described Bradley as having “exception customer service skills and he was very helpful to all his passengers”.

Bradley Mannering has been a bus driver for five years and has worked at Leopard for a year. His favourite part of his job is interacting with people.

Willie Chan – Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Providing an exceptional service has won Christchurch Bus Services driver Willie Chan the Metro Bus Driver of the Month award.

The passenger, who does not normally take the bus, wrote to MetroInfo to say how impressed they were with the service Mr Chan provided when they travelled on the bus recently.

“The regulars seemed to know this driver who was very chirpy. He had a great sense of humour. In Bowenvale Avenue, he let off the regulars at places that were more convenient for them. Well done, great service, keep up the good work,” wrote the passenger.

Willie Chan drives the Northlands/Bowenvale and Parklands routes and has been a bus driver for 14 years.

The winning Metro bus driver is selected every month by MetroInfo as a result of compliments from customers.

Steve Luscombe – Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Helping out a lost boy led to Northern Star driver Steve Luscombe being named Metro Bus Driver of the Month.

The boy's mother and another passenger contacted MetroInfo to say how Mr Luscombe helped the boy.

"My son got on the wrong bus and was lost. The driver, Steve, was extremely helpful and kind. He called me so we could go pick him up, and waited with him to make sure he was safe," said the boy's mother.

"When we arrived he walked my son to the car to be sure everything was ok. My son said he had been very scared as we are not from here, so I really appreciate the driver's kindness and attention."

The passenger was also full of praise: "The bus was then behind schedule but this act of kindness and regard for the boys safety was of the highest importance to this lovely driver. Good to see this still exists."

Steve Luscombe has been a bus driver for over seven years and has worked at Christchurch Bus Services for half of that time. He drives the Northern Star to Rangiora and the Kainga route.

The winning Metro bus driver is selected every month by MetroInfo.

Gerard McIlroy – Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Pulling out all stops to make sure a passenger got to their bus stop, despite having to cross three lanes of rush hour traffic, has led Gerard McIlroy, from Red Bus, to being chosen as Metro Bus Driver of the Month.

A fellow passenger on the 83 bus from QEII contacted MetroInfo to say that they were impressed with Gerard's skill in the busy morning traffic along Fitzgerald Avenue.

"This morning, a completely inconsiderate passenger rang the bell just before the stop and the driver needed to cut back across three lanes to drop them off then back across three lanes to get round into St Asaph.

"I was grimacing on his behalf, but he did this with a smile for the apologetic (they should have been, too!) passenger as they exited the bus. I couldn't have done it and I thought he rocked!" writes the fellow passenger.

Gerard has been a driver for 23 years and enjoys meeting people, particularly the tourists on the Airport service. He can also be found on the Hornby, Southshore, Wainoni, Hei Hei and Burwood services operated by Red Bus.

Stephanie Austin – Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Ensuring a young woman got home safely has led to Stephanie Austin being named Metro Bus Driver of the Month. Metroinfo was told that when Stephanie dropped the young woman at her bus stop, she noticed a group of young people drinking there. When she got to the next bus stop, Stephanie rang the people the woman was staying with and waited for her to be picked up. Stephanie has been a driver with Red Bus for 13 months.

Laurie Geddis – Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Laurie Geddis, a driver with Christchurch Bus Services, has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month.

Metroinfo was contacted to say how impressed they were when Laurie helped her elderly father to travel to Princess Margaret Hospital. It was raining heavily and Laurie took the gentleman to the door of the hospital so he would arrive safely.

Laurie has worked for Christchurch Bus Services for three years and drives the Rangiora, Supa Centa to Westmorland and the Parklands/New Brighton bus routes.

After 20 years as a bus driver Laurie says he enjoys being his own boss.

"I also like meeting and helping people," he says.

Roy French – Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Orbiter bus driver Roy French from Leopard Coachlines has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month following a complimentary letter from one of his passengers. Roy has been a bus driver for 34 years and has driven in Auckland, Sydney and Christchurch.

A university student wrote to Metro to say how impressed they were with the friendly service Roy provides his passengers. “He has even learned greetings in different languages so he can help make the foreign students feel at home,” wrote the student. “It’s people like him who make a great contribution to the community.”

Roy has worked at Leopard Coachlines for seven years.

“To be a good bus driver you need excellent public relation skills including patience, tolerance and the ability to communicate. And last but not least the willingness to smile and to be friendly and polite,” he says.

Laurie Pattinson – Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Laurie Pattinson, a driver with Christchurch Bus Services, has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month.

A woman contacted MetroInfo to say how impressed she was when Laurie, who drives the Northern Star to Rangiora, helped her nine year old daughter get home from school when she missed her stop.

"It is times like this when you have to feel grateful for the amazing people who are out there who go out of their way to reassure a child and see her where she needed to be safely. Well done and thanks so very much," she said.

Laurie also drives the 70 Queenspark route and he enjoys the lifestyle of being a bus driver with CBS.

"I enjoy meeting people and getting to know my regular passengers. I also have good sociable colleagues and enjoy working for CBS as a whole," says Laurie.

Anna Sumicz – Metro Bus Driver of the Month

Anna Sumicz from Red Bus, who has worked as a bus driver for 11 months, has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month. Anna was nominated by a passenger on the Wainoni bus for how she handled a difficult customer. As a bus driver Anna says she enjoys meeting people and her friendships with the other drivers at Red Bus.

Paul Feterika

Bus driver Paul Feterika has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month after a Red Bus passenger sent in a commendation saying that Paul had crossed a busy road and escorted a blind woman and her dog across the road to the bus.

Passenger John Hughes said he that he had returned to Christchurch after 40 years and working in 22 countries and was very impressed with Christchurch's Metro buses and with Paul Feterika's services.

"It was very impressive. The man next to me was equally impressed. The driver should be commended for his action."

Paul, who lives in Bromley, has been a bus driver for 24 years and worked at Red Bus for 17 years. He drives the Lyttelton, Sumner and Avonhead bus routes.

Janendra Kumar

Orbiter driver Janendra Kumar has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month after Leopard Coachlines received a letter from a passenger commending his service. Janendra helped an elderly woman with a walker and made sure she was seated before driving away.
"He did this all without hesitation and with much dignity. I was very impressed regarding his helpful courtesy. The bus driver was a good operator, careful and patient and I was most impressed," said Mary Holmes who was a passenger on the Orbiter at the time. "I have never driven a motor vehicle in my life and 84-years-old, so always travel by bus and note when drivers are a credit to the company for whom they work."

Janendra, who lives in Phillipstown, has worked at Leopard for three years and says he enjoys meeting and helping people.

Brian McDonald

Bromley's Brian McDonald, who has worked as a driver with Leopard for over three years, has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month. One of his passengers contacted MetroInfo to say how impressed she was when Brian, who drives the Orbiter bus, called the ambulance when her friend became ill while on the bus. "The driver went above and beyond the call of duty," she said. Brian has driven buses for six years.

David Crawford

David Crawford, who has worked as a driver with Red Bus for 36 years, has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month. A person sitting in a coffee shop contacted Metro Info to say how impressed they were when David helped a woman and a man in a wheelchair to board his bus. David Crawford drives a range of Red Bus routes and enjoys the variety of work and meeting people.

Maurice Te Whatu

Maurice Te Whatu, who has worked as a driver with Red Bus for over three years, has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month. One of his passengers contacted Metro Info to say how impressed she was when Maurice stopped the bus near Northlands Mall to help a blind lady cross the road.  As a bus driver Maurice enjoys meeting the public and driving.  To contact Maurice Te Whatu: Nicky Halligan at Red Bus on 03 371 3116.

Fox Satele

Hornby's Fox Satele, who has worked as a bus driver with Christchurch Bus Services for three years, has been named as Metro Bus Driver of the Month. Fox drives the 60 New Brighton route via Parklands and the 11 Northwood Supa Centre Bus to Westmorland. He was thanked by one of his passengers for handling some difficult passengers and preventing what could have been an aggressive situation. As a bus driver Fox enjoys meeting people and working for a good company and colleagues, including management.

Michael Edwards 

Michael Edwards, who has worked as a bus driver with Leopard for nearly a year, has been highly commended as a Metro Bus Driver of the Month.

Michael, who drives the Orbiter bus route, was commended by one of his passengers when he helped a woman with a pram and a toddler. Michael enjoys driving, the passengers and the work environment at his job.

Viktor Torok

Redwood’s Viktor Torok was named Metro Bus Driver of Month for January. Viktor immigrated to New Zealand in 1996 from Slovakia where he was a physical education teacher. Viktor has been a bus driver with Leopard Coachlines for nine years. He was awarded the Metro Bus Driver of the Month after a customer said that he always “goes the extra mile” looking after his passengers. The commuter described Viktor as “a great ambassador for Christchurch”. Viktor drives the 21 Metro bus service to Mt Pleasant/Ilam.

Julian Eyles

Julian Eyles, from Red Bus, has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month. Julian who drives the school bus run to Avonside Girls High and fills in on other routes has been a bus driver for 28 years and has worked at Red Bus for two years.

As a bus driver Julian enjoys meeting people and being positive. A passenger from Israel complimented Julian on his welcoming manner and ready smile. “He asked every passenger that got on the bus how they were and when he dropped people off the bus he always thanked them – he is definitely one of a kind!”

Naguib Tadros

Naguib Tadros has been a bus driver with Red Bus for a year and drives the Lyttelton/Sumner route. He previously worked in a bank in his homeland of Egypt and has lived in New Zealand for five years. Naguib was awarded the Metro Bus Driver of the Month after a customer said that he was very helpful to all his passengers, including a person in a wheelchair and a mother with four children. “He has a very cheerful outlook and it was a pleasure to travel with him,” the customer said.

Wayne Dennis

Hornby's Wayne Dennis, who has worked as a bus driver with Red Bus, for over 30 years, has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month. He was nominated by a Dunedin woman who was catching the bus Wayne was driving to the airport.
"Wayne was very friendly and helpful, explaining to me the new Metro Card system. He was clearly very proud of the bus travel system in Christchurch. When each passenger got off the bus, Wayne thanked them. The mood on that bus was light and happy - he had a pleasant impact on all who rode on that bus that day", she said. "I believe Wayne does your company proud - and I would like you to please pass on my thanks to him. I do hope you will consider him for employee of the month, as I am sure his demeanour and kindness impacts positively on many people each day." Wayne Dennis usually drives a variety of bus routes and he enjoys dealing with the public and being his own boss. To contact Wayne Dennis: Nicky Halligan at Red Bus on 03 371 3116.

Robin Denby

Kaiapoi's Robin Denby, who has worked as a bus driver with Leopard for six years, has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month.

Robin, who drives the Orbiter bus route, was commended by one of his passengers when he helped an elderly lady across Riccarton Road to the correct bus stop.

Meeting people, not being stuck behind a desk are just two of the things Robin enjoys about being a bus driver. He also enjoys the "good management" at Leopard and his fellow workmates. To contact Robin Denby: Matt O’Malley at Leopard on 03 373 8100.

Moli Taiulu

Waltham’s Moli Taiulu, who has worked as a driver with Red Bus for 23 years, has been named Metro Bus Driver of the Month. One of Moli’s passengers on the Barrington route described him as “always happy and cheerful. He makes everyone’s journey enjoyable”. Moli is also regarded as a pleasure to work with by his colleagues at Red Bus. Moli says he enjoys being a bus driver and being involved with the public every day. To contact Moli Taiulu: Nicky Halligan at Red Bus on 03 371 3116.