Traffic chief on board for bus drivers who go the extra mile

THE traffic commissioner for Scotland has lent her support to a new award to recognise the Lothian Buses driver who has "gone the extra mile" to help passengers.

The Happy to Help award, organised by disability rights charity Ecas, will be given to a driver who has gone out of his or her way to assist passengers who need extra help or consideration.

Joan Aitken, the traffic commissioner for Scotland, said: "It is extremely encouraging to see a bus company invest in their staff and reward them for good customer service. Good bus drivers deserve every praise they can get.

"Bus drivers do an incredibly important job and can make all the difference to a passenger's day.

"Whether a bus driver assists an elderly passenger, a mum struggling with a pushchair or simply greets passengers with a smile, going that extra mile and interacting with passengers makes such a positive difference to their journey."

David Griffiths, chief executive of Ecas, said: "Many bus drivers don't get the recognition they deserve for offering extra help to passengers."