Laughter pays off for bus driver

BUS driver Kevin Jenkins has been taking passengers from Atherton to Cairns three times a week for many years and now his efforts to make patrons feel at ease and smile along the way have led to him being named a finalist in the Regional Driver of the Year awards.

The awards, run by Translink in conjunction with Trans North, aim to acknowledge and celebrate the important service bus drivers provide to the broader community.

Winners of the three categories will be announced in mid-April but whether he wins or not, Kevin says he is just happy doing his job.

Based in Atherton, Kevin is well known on the bus route between Atherton and Cairns and was nominated for being a “caring driver who is patient and friendly every time”.

“He loves to share a laugh with his passengers and make sure they feel comfortable,” the nomination reads.

Kevin says it’s all about loving what he does.