BUS passengers in Devon are among the happiest in the country with services, according to a new survey.

More than 800 people from Devon took part in a national survey by Passenger Focus and a record 90% recorded their satisfaction overall, including 95% of passengers with a disability.

Value for money, punctuality, bus and bus stop cleanliness all scored well, with satisfaction levels higher in most cases than last year.

Devon County Council now wants to hear how satisfied passengers are with bus drivers – and is calling on them to nominate Devon’s best bus driver.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, the council’s cabinet member with responsibility for transportation, said: “With a fifth of Devon’s households not having access to a car, the bus is often, especially for older people, the only way to get around.

“We know that a lot of Devon residents are generally very happy with their bus service, so this competition aims to reward courteous, helpful, smooth bus drivers who act with kindness and go beyond the call of duty.

“Passengers who feel their bus driver fits the bill are asked to let us know the name of the driver, the bus company, the route, time and date they were on the bus, and a brief explanation as to why they are nominating the bus driver.”

Online forms are available on the council’s website, www.journeydevon.info/devons-best-bus-driver. The deadline for nominations is May 16.