Swindon passengers encouraged to nominate their Brilliant Bus Driver and win a month’s free travel

Passengers across Swindon are being encouraged to recognise the drivers who make their journeys better as part of a special Brilliant Bus Drivers campaign taking place during Catch the Bus Month and Modeshift Month 2026.

The one-off campaign, delivered by Swindon Borough Council and local Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) partners, including Swindon’s Bus Company and Stagecoach West, celebrates the drivers who go the extra mile every day. Whether that’s providing a friendly welcome, helping a passenger in need, supporting vulnerable customers or delivering outstanding customer service, passengers are invited to share their stories.

Customers can nominate a driver who has made a positive difference to their journey through a simple online form, which can be found at Swindon’s Brilliant Bus Drivers! – Nomination Form.

Everyone who submits a nomination can also choose to enter a free prize draw for the chance to win one month’s free bus travel via the Swindon’s Bus Company app.

Councillor Nick Gardiner, cabinet member for Highways and transport, said: Bus drivers are often the pubic face of our local transport network, and play a vital role in helping people travel confidently and independently. This campaign is a fantastic way to recognise the everyday acts of kindness and professionalism that makes a real difference to passengers, while celebrating the positive impact buses have on our communities.

“We know there are many drivers across Swindon who go above and beyond for their passengers every day, and we look forward to hearing stories that make them stand out.”

Dave Hall, Swindon’s Bus Company operations manager, added: “Our drivers take great pride in supporting customers and connecting communities across Swindon. We regularly receive wonderful feedback about the difference they make to people’s journeys, and we’re delighted to support this campaign and help celebrate their achievements.”

Martin Gibbon, managing director of Stagecoach West said: “Catch the Bus Month is a great opportunity to celebrate the role that bus travel plays in connecting people with their communities, whether that’s getting to work, education, shopping or seeing friends and family.

“At Stagecoach West, we’re delighted to be part of the campaign and excited to offer customers the chance to win a month’s free bus travel. It’s a fantastic way to encourage more people to give the bus a try and discover the benefits of travelling by public transport.

“We also want to take this opportunity to recognise and thank our brilliant drivers, who are at the heart of everything we do. Their commitment, professionalism and dedication to our customers every day make a real difference to the communities we serve.”

Customers can submit their nomination at Swindon’s Brilliant Bus Drivers! – Nomination Form.

To help identify the driver, customers will be asked to provide:

• Date and time of travel
• Route/service and direction of travel
• Driver’s name (if known) or description
• Details of why they are making the nomination
• Their contact details

At the end of the campaign, one driver will be recognised as Swindon’s Brilliant Bus Driver 2026, and their story will be shared across partner communication channels.

Customers can submit nominations from 1st September 2026 until midnight on 30th September 2026.