Bus Driver Appreciation Day 2025

Bus Driver Appreciation Day was a huge success, thanks to all of you! On 18 March, we celebrated the incredible drivers who keep Newcastle and Lake Macquarie moving—rain, hail, or shine.

We received so many heartfelt messages from the community, and we made sure to share them with our drivers. From words of gratitude to stories of kindness, your appreciation meant the world to them. Have a read of some of the messages below.

A special shoutout to our drivers for their hard work, dedication, and friendly service every day. Next time you’re on board, don’t forget to give them a smile and a thank you.

• Thank you for being amazing. Thank you for helping me get around Newcastle Safely and helping me be independent. Thank you for all that you do and continue to do.
  – Stephen

• I appreciate all the bus drivers who get me where I need to go! Buses have always been my ticket to freedom. Thank you. I am sure I have many of the same drivers regularly but being blind I can’t recognise you, so I’m sorry that I am never able to greet any of you personally, but I appreciate you all.
  – Katie

• I want to say a big thank you to the bus drivers for keeping me safe. Keep up the great job.
  – Roni

• To the bus driver with the sunflower lanyard who explained how the bus numbers worked with times! Thank you!
  – Ishta

• Well done drivers! I see how your role makes a difference. You guys and gals are the driving heroes!
  – Simone

• Thanks for the great work you all do, especially under some difficult situations
  – Christopher

• Thank you to all bus drivers. I am very elderly and a regular passenger on regular bus transport and On Demand. I appreciate the smiling faces and courtesy extended to me by all of the bus drivers. Well Done.
  – Ruth

• Every time I travel by bus I am amazed at the skill and patience of the driver. Thanks for doing this important work so well.
  – Gregan

• A big shout out to all the Newcastle Transport bus drivers for Bus Driver Appreciation Day! I work with people who have low vision or blindness. These people cannot drive so you are effectively ‘their car’! Some people have VIP Travel passes while some people have low vision and do not qualify for the pass and may not use a cane or be identifiable as having a disability. We generally keep a low profile as just getting from A to B requires concentration and avoiding stress. So although our people might not say it out loud and you wouldn’t otherwise know it, we greatly appreciate your service!
  – Nathan