Just a few days left for great stories: the ‘Favourite Bus Driver 2026’ competition is entering its final stages

Nominations open until 31 May 2026 | Over 2,000 stories already received

The nationwide “Favourite Bus Driver 2026” competition is entering its final phase: passengers from all over Germany have four weeks left to nominate their personal heroes behind the wheel. Stories, messages of thanks or photos can be uploaded to lieblingsbusfahrerIn.de until 31 May 2026. More than 2,000 stories have already been received. The campaign is organised by the passenger association PRO BAHN, DB Regio, the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) and the Federal Association of German Bus Companies (bdo). The focus is on around 100,000 bus drivers in local and long-distance bus services. Jörg Bruchertseifer, Federal Advisor for Integrated Mobility at the passenger association PRO BAHN: “Bus drivers make a difference every day – ensuring safety, reliability and service in everyday life. More than 2,000 stories submitted so far already show just how much many passengers appreciate them. With this competition, we are giving them the opportunity to say thank you personally and to highlight the work of the driving staff.”

We are looking for impressive, touching and everyday stories from the world of bus transport. More than 2,000 entries have already been received before the deadline. Anyone who submits their story by 31 May 2026 will be entered into the current round of the competition. Entries received after this date will be included in the judging for the following year. The competition shines a spotlight on a profession without which everyday mobility would not function for millions of people. Around 100,000 bus drivers in Germany ensure reliability, safety and service day in, day out. Especially in times of a skills shortage, public recognition sends an important signal to current employees and potential new colleagues.

Categories: From everyday heroes to favourite long-distance bus driversIn
2026, awards will again be presented in four categories:

“Everyday Heroes” – presented by
MAN“Outstanding Achievement” – presented by
KRAVAG“School Bus” – presented by DEVK, nominations also accepted with insurance cover“Long-distance Bus”
– presented by Daimler Buses

With the new “Long-distance Bus” category, special recognition is being given for the first time to a sector that is growing in importance for connected mobility and tourism in Germany. The award ceremony in the long-distance bus category will be hosted by the co-initiator, the Federal Association of German Bus Companies (bdo). A jury will select the TOP 30 from all entries. From these, the national winners will be determined and honoured in Berlin on 15 October 2026. The awards will go to bus drivers and passengers whose stories or messages of thanks are selected. In addition, regional and company-wide awards will once again be available.

Skilled workers: respect remains keyThere
is already a nationwide shortage of tens of thousands of drivers, whilst around 6,000 transport service employees retire each year due to reaching retirement age. By 2030, public transport will require around 21 per cent more staff. The competition therefore not only tells personal stories but also highlights how important respect, protection and social appreciation are for the future of the profession. Entry can be completed online in just a few steps. Passengers can upload their nominations, including text and images, directly at lieblingsbusfahrerIn.de. Further information, terms and conditions, previous winners and all details regarding the current competition round can also be found there. The competition is once again being run in partnership with the DVV and supported by KRAVAG, DEVK, MAN and Daimler Buses.

https://www.lieblingsbusfahrerin.de/lb