The annual Swedish Bus and Coach Driver Championship has long been an opportunity to celebrate the professionalism and commitment of bus drivers. This year, the first prize for Sweden’s best bus driver went to a woman.
In a nation-wide competition that pushes the skills of bus drivers to the limit, Josefine Blomberg, from Nobina AB, finished first, claiming the title of best bus driver at the 2024 Swedish Bus and Coach Driver Championship.
Held near Stockholm in September, the competition brought together a diverse group of drivers. The finalists competed in a series of rigorous challenges designed to test the skills and expertise required in this crucial profession.
IRU Passenger Transport Council Vice-President and Branch Manager of the Swedish Bus and Coach Federation Anna Grönlund said, “The Championship highlights the broad competencies expected of a bus driver."
“The presence of women at the forefront of this competition is a positive sign for the industry. Josefine Blomberg’s win is a shining example of the professionalism and dedication that defines the bus driving profession,” she added.
The Swedish Bus and Coach Driver Championship is a yearly event organised by IRU member the Swedish Bus & Coach Federation, in collaboration with the sector’s magazines Resforum and Trafikforum.
The competition was particularly significant this year as the industry faces a critical shortage of drivers. Between 2023 and 2025, Sweden will need to recruit some 8,100 new bus and coach drivers to meet the growing demand for public transport and support the tourism industry, which also heavily relies on bus services.
“With the industry facing an urgent need for more drivers, events like this celebrate individual excellence and raise awareness about the critical role bus drivers play in keeping Sweden’s public transport system running smoothly. Her victory serves as an example of how women are excelling in the field, and it could inspire more women to consider bus driving as a viable career option,” concluded Anna Grönlund.
