More than 2,500 nominations have been received across Queensland for the Palaszczuk Government's annual Bus Driver of the Year awards.
The number of nominations is a 900 per cent increase on the 250 submissions received in 2018.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the nominations highlighted the hard work and dedication of bus drivers as they improved the experience for customers each day.
"The Palaszczuk Government wants to recognise Queensland's bus drivers and the positive impact they make," Mr Bailey said.
"That so many people have taken the time to nominate their bus driver just outlines the great work of our drivers each day and the important role they play in so many peoples' lives.
"It's easy to forget that drivers often spend time away from their families to transport customers on public holidays, weekends and at varying hours of the day.
"I would like to thank everyone who lodged a nomination as I know it will mean a lot to each driver who has been nominated."
Mr Bailey said judges would now have the tough job of narrowing down the nominations into three finalists for each of the three categories: South East Queensland drivers, regional drivers and school drivers.
"All nominations will be shortlisted before the finalists are announced in each category, in mid-July," Mr Bailey said.
"Videos of each finalist will be produced and posted online, and we'll be calling on the public to decide on their vote.
"The winners of each category will then be presented with their award at the TransLink stall during this year's EKKA, ensuring the winning drivers receive the recognition they deserve and providing the public with an opportunity to say thanks for their service."
All nominations will be reviewed by an industry-led judging panel and assessed against the criteria, including positive customer impact, excellence in customer care and displaying a customer-focused attitude.
The winning drivers will be presented with a trophy and $1000 cash prize at the awards ceremony, while 10 customers will win a $100 gift card for nominating a driver.
Ella Reid from Clarks Logan City Bus Service took out the inaugural award during last year's ceremony.
