Brave Dudley bus driver awarded accolade for actions during robbery
A National Express West Midlands driver has won a top global accolade for her actions during a robbery which led to the arrest of three men.
Tracey Evans, who is based in Pensnett, was invited to join colleagues from across the world at the National Express Group Values Awards, held at the London Transport Museum.
The 42-year-old was awarded the National Express Group Value of Values award by chief executive Dean Finch for her heroic actions.
She was driving a 126 bus between Birmingham and Dudley when she saw a customer was being robbed and assaulted on the top deck of her bus. Tracey pressed her panic button to alert the company's control team, who then contacted police.
She stayed calm throughout the incident, relaying information on her location to police, and continued to drive so that the offender's didn't know the police were on the way.
Once police arrived, Tracey then pointed them out to officers, who found one man was carrying a hammer and a knife.
Tracey said: “When I noticed what was happening I knew I had to alert control and make sure we got the police involved.
"I was just doing my job so I tried to keep everything as normal and as calm as possible and I continued in service while making sure our customers were comfortable and safe.
“I felt so privileged to be invited to the awards ceremony and get the chance to meet managers and other colleagues from across the business who have had some brilliant achievements.
"I had a fantastic evening anyway - and then when I was announced as the Value of Values award winner I was so shocked, I couldn’t believe it.
"It’s really lovely to be recognised by the company.”
National Express Group chief executive, Dean Finch, said: "We are extremely proud of Tracey for her calm and courageous actions during what was a rare but nasty incident on board one of our buses.
“She has unequivocally demonstrated the core values of our company, keeping our customers safe and doing the right thing. I was delighted to be able to present my Value of Values award to recognise her efforts.”
West Midlands Police arresting officer PC Burrows added: “It is without doubt that Tracey’s decisive thinking, calm instructions - without suspicion - and her heroic actions in identifying the offenders helped to secure the arrests.”
