Whether friendly, helpful or particularly committed: Bus drivers shape the everyday lives of many people. This year, the initiators are organizing the nationwide "Favourite Bus Driver" competition for the fourth time. Passengers from all over Germany are invited to share their personal experiences with their local heroes and thus make visible how important their role is for everyday life and local mobility.
This year, prizes will be awarded in four categories:
- "Everyday heroes"
- "Exceptional achievement"
- "School bus" - a special prize in which children can nominate their favorites with pictures they have drawn themselves
- "Long-distance bus" (new category 2026)Until 31 May 2026, passengers can submit their personal stories online at www.lieblingsbusfahrerin.de and nominate their favorite bus driver.
A jury will make a shortlist from all the entries, from which the winners will then be chosen. These will be honored at an awards ceremony in autumn 2026. Participating passengers will also benefit: Prizes will also be awarded among those who submit the winning stories.The "Favorite Bus Driver" competition is a joint initiative of the passenger association
PRO BAHN, the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) and DB Regio. It is supported
by KRAVAG, DEVK, MAN and Daimler Buses. The aim is to raise awareness of the profession of bus driver
and to recruit urgently needed young talent in the industry
.