A BUS driver’s friendly face and caring manner have proved just the ticket for his pensioner passengers.

Brian McDowall has been named Blackburn with Darwen Older People’s Forum’s Bus Driver of the Year 2016.

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The 49-year-old Transdev employee from Accrington won the top prize for going the extra mile in looking after his elderly customers.

His pensioner passengers in turn voted for him with their bus tickets.

Forum chairman Brian Todd, who collated the results from the driver IDs on more than 800 tickets, said: “Well done to Brian.

“He deserves this.

“Caring bus drivers are essential to many older passengers to make sure they travel carefully and comfortably.”

Mr McDowall, who beat dozens of other bus drivers, said: “I’m just doing the job I’ve done for 25 years.

“It’s important to make sure my elderly passengers feel safe and comfortable on my bus.

“For many of them it’s an absolute lifeline to the outside world.

“I just try to take extra care of them.

“I know how important it is to them as my mum, who died in 2001, suffered from Alzheimer’s disease so needed that extra care.

“The bus is vital for older people in the borough and I want to make sure they have as enjoyable an experience as possible when travelling on my vehicle.

“It’s a real honour to be voted for this award.

“It also makes commercial sense.

“If they feel safe and comfortable on my bus, they keep using our buses and the company does well and I keep my job.

“Looking after my older customers is a really important part of my job and one I really enjoy.”

Mr Todd, who presented Mr McDowall with his award at the forum’s annual meeting on Monday, said: “It’s about little things like driving smoothly and not starting the bus until older passengers have sat down.”

Shaun Walmsley, general manager at Transdev, said: “We’re all thrilled and very proud that Brian has been recognised with this award for the outstanding service he provides to his valued customers every single day.

“Brian really takes pride in his work and sets an excellent example to his fellow drivers.”

Mr McDowall’s partner Vera McKendrick said: “Brian really deserves his award.

“He’s very caring and takes his job very seriously.”