ARMED Forces veteran Darren Keennan has been presented with a “Highly Commended” FlixBus driver award just a few months after starting his new job.
While Darren aged 55, only started his FlixBus journey in November, he achieved exceptionally high ratings from customers in that time.
Darren, who lives close to FlixBus partner Ashcroft Mini Travel in Golborne near Warrington, has been driving long-distance express coaches for around four years.
Prior to coach driving, Darren served in the armed forces in Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as driving for the prison service.
In his spare time, Darren volunteers and raises awareness for Veterans, for example with Help For Heroes.
Darren said: “Well, this is a real honour! I had been wanting to drive for FlixBus for a while, and when I saw a job advertised with Ashcroft, I seized the opportunity.
“You need the right mindset to drive long distances but I am delighted to have made the move to coaches – it is very different from being in the armed forces and prison services – but I really enjoy it.”
One customer commented that Darren is ‘the best public transport driver I have had in many years.’
Jessica Strangward, Senior Operations Manager at FlixBus said: “Darren is a fantastic example for those considering a second career in coach driving – whatever your background. We’re sure his story will inspire others to take the leap!
“We are delighted he felt such a strong draw to drive for the FlixBus brand and he is a fantastic representative for us on the road, with fantastic ratings from our passengers.”
Chris Ashcroft, Director of Ashcroft Mini Travel said: “Darren is a fantastic driver and wonderful with passengers, but he is really humble and so we’re pleased to see his great work highlighted by FlixBus.“
FlixBus will double its national network by summer 2025, with over 200 vehicles on the road, with operators seeking drivers across the country.
