Every day, they get us where we need to go – to work, to school, to appointments and back home again.
They’re the early risers, the wave-at-the-corner regulars, and the familiar faces that keep the wheels turning.
For many of our local bus drivers, the role is more than just getting commuters from A to B.
Sometimes it means protecting those in need of help, keeping an eye out for missing children, and staying calm at signs of trouble.
Now, Translink is looking for some of the state’s best drivers so they can be recognised for their efforts.
Nominations are open for the 2025 Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards, which recognise drivers who go above and beyond to deliver safe, reliable and welcoming services.
Logan’s bus provider Clarks Buses, which will next year celebrate its 50th birthday, has more than 150 drivers.
Some of them, like Teena Logan, say driving is something they have always done.
“That’s my life,” Ms Logan said.
“It gets me out and about to see new things, as well as meeting new people. It is the most rewarding experience to be able to help the community.”
Over six years of driving buses, Ms Logan has made close connections with her commuters.
Her favourite memory? The time one of her regular passengers, an elderly woman, gave Ms Logan the honorary title of her “adopted driver daughter” for all the support she had provided.
For local driver Joe Alaifea, bus driving has been a way to build new connections after moving to Australia.
“It’s a job that’s fun to do – you get to meet people from all sides of life,” he said.
“I’ve found a new city that I’ve come to like since moving here.”
He said he’s now something of a Google Maps for locals, helping them get to “where they need to go”.
And for Mary Faalogo, the change from office work to the open road was exactly what she needed.
“With my previous job, I was inside four walls all day,” she said.
“But now I get to go out there and meet new people.”
To nominate your favourite driver, visit the Translink website.
