The 2026 BusNSW Driver of the Year Awards were presented at the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo Opening on 15 July.
Greater Sydney
Winner: Tom Lee – Transit Systems NSW
For more than 13 years, Tom Lee has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, safety and customer service while operating in one of Australia’s busiest urban transport environments.
Throughout his career, Tom has maintained an exceptional incident-free driving record, reflecting outstanding skill, concentration and professionalism.
Tom is consistently recognised as one of his depot’s leading performers on the GreenRoad safety platform. His smooth, attentive and responsible driving not only protects passengers but also enhances their overall travel experience.
What truly distinguishes Tom is his genuine connection with customers. He knows many regular passengers by name, warmly welcomes everyone on board and has received numerous customer commendations. Passengers regularly contact Transit Systems to find out when he is rostered so they can travel on his bus.
Highly respected by colleagues and management alike, Tom also makes a valuable contribution to his depot through his professionalism, reliability and consistently positive attitude.
Outer-Metropolitan
Winner: Gary Kumar – Dion’s Bus Service
Gary Kumar has built an outstanding reputation over more than 11 years as a driver who consistently demonstrates professionalism, leadership and an unwavering commitment to safety.
Gary has earned the respect of customers, colleagues and management through his calm nature, positive attitude and genuine care for passengers.
As a dedicated Driver Trainer, Gary has mentored numerous new recruits, playing a significant role in developing the next generation of professional bus drivers. He completed a Train the Trainer qualification to further strengthen his ability to deliver Bus Driver Authority training.
A passionate advocate for the industry, Gary encourages prospective drivers to view bus driving as a rewarding and meaningful career. He actively contributes to improving driver training programs, provides valuable operational feedback and has assisted in testing new driver technologies and applications.
His commitment to excellence has been recognised through multiple company awards, including Employee of the Year, and several Highly Commended awards acknowledging his outstanding workplace contribution.
Rural and Regional
Winner: Janette Armstrong – Tamworth Buslines
Since joining Tamworth Buslines in 2018, Janette Armstrong has become widely respected for her kindness, professionalism and commitment to supporting both passengers and the wider community.
Janette consistently delivers safe, reliable and customer-focused transport. Her caring nature, patience and willingness to help others have earned the admiration of passengers, particularly the many school students she transports each day.
A passionate advocate for safety, Janette plays an important role in her company’s annual Kindergarten Bus Safety Program, helping young children develop the confidence and knowledge needed to travel safely by bus.
As an experienced Driver Trainer, she generously mentors new drivers, sharing her knowledge while providing the encouragement and support needed to develop capable and confident professionals.
Janette also volunteers through her local church, assists with driver morning teas and supports families at Ronald McDonald House, demonstrating a genuine commitment to strengthening her local community.
Coach and Charter
Winner: Neil Hicks – Port Stephens Coaches
With an outstanding 23-year career, Neil Hicks has earned a reputation as one of the industry’s most respected coach and charter professionals.
Whether operating a day tour, extended holiday, school excursion or charter service, Neil carefully researches each itinerary, sharing local history and interesting stories at just the right time. He even selects music to complement the destinations being visited.
Neil’s pride in his work extends to every aspect of the journey. His coach is always presented immaculately, passengers are treated with patience, respect and kindness, and no request is ever too much trouble. In one remarkable example, Neil personally cleaned facilities at a rest stop to ensure passengers had the best possible experience.
His outstanding reputation is reflected in the many groups that specifically request him year after year, including an overseas television production crew that insists on having Neil as their driver whenever they visit Australia.
The BusNSW Driver Awards are sponsored by CareSuper.