A Transdev Harrogate employee is in a 12 person shortlist to be named Unsung Hero at this year’s UK Bus Awards.
Albert Gibson, 68, has been the face of Harrogate Bus Station for the last 47 years having started his working life for West Yorkshire Road Car company in 1965.
He was chosen over hundreds of other hopefuls after judges recognised the outstanding contribution he has made to the industry.
The overall winner will be crowned at a star-studded event at London’s South Bank next month.
Albert said:
I couldn’t believe it when I was told I had been nominated, I feel really honoured.
I still love coming to work each day after all these years and really enjoy helping people whenever I can. I believe that a little consideration goes a long way.
Albert was a stand out in the category.
His warm personality and kind-hearted nature has touched not just his customers but also his fellow colleagues who have worked alongside him.
How do you describe someone who has been part of the fabric at Harrogate Bus Station since 1967?
Transdev’s Business Director Keith Roebuck said:
Put simply, Albert is our rock in Harrogate bus station.
In many ways, it could be said Albert harks back to a gentler age. However, basic customer skills never change, and Albert delivers them with genuine sincerity.
He is so unassuming, never looks for praise and just does his job in a way that comes natural to him.
Albert has close to 50 years’ service through nationalisation, deregulation, privatisation through to the current day with Transdev, a wonderful achievement for quite a remarkable man.
His long and illustrious career in the bus industry started at the age of 18. After a short stint in Brighton, he returned to Yorkshire in 1967 and decided his heart was in Harrogate.
In his time he has been a Conductor, Driver, Administrative Clerk, Cash Office Assistant, Rota Supervisor, Operations Supervisor and Duty Manager.
In July 2008, he took early retirement, but that didn’t last long. He started a new role within the Customer Services Department at Station Parade the very next day.
Come hail, rain or shine he opens the bus kiosk every day and greets everyone he meets with a friendly smile.
Tony Depledge, chairman of the UK Bus Awards praised the quality and talent of the finalists:
Tony said:
This year, the finalists have really pulled the stops out.
Across all categories, our finalists have really impressed us with their star quality. I wish them all every success at this year’s ceremony in November.
For more information on this year’s nominees please visit http://www.ukbusawards.org.uk
