Life on the buses rewarded with top national accolade

Operations director Mrs Hayes was the only female finalist in the Bus Manager of the Year category at Routeone’s “Operator Excellence Awards”.

She started with Yorkshire Traction in 1973 and, apart from a year out in 1984 to have her son, she has been with the company - now Stagecoach Yorkshire - ever since.

Initially involved with recording vehicle information, Mrs Hayes later gained qualifications in supervisory management and was appointed assistant manager of the Barnsley depot in 1989, before being appointed manager of all Yorkshire Traction’s depots two years later.

After Stagecoach Yorkshire took over the company in 2005, she also took on responsibility for the Sheffield and Chesterfield depots.

Mrs Hayes said: “I was extremely humbled to be recognised at the awards ceremony.

“Buses have been my life for the last 38 years and I am so passionate about the industry, it is more than just a career for me.

“Not many people can say they love their job, but I genuinely do. I take great pride in getting out into the community, talking to our passengers and finding out how we can make our services even better.”

Paul Lynch, managing director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, praised Mrs Hayes’ work. He said: “Sue epitomises everything that Stagecoach Yorkshire is about.

“Every day she goes above and beyond for the company, but most importantly, the community.”