Question time with Mandy Barritt, driver at Birmingham Central garage

Exclusive behind the scenes blog series!

In our latest blog post, we will be interviewing Mandy one of our drivers at our Birmingham Central Garage and finding out what bus means to her.

How long have you worked for National Express?

I started at National Express in April 2001, so just over 22 years now!

What made you want to work at National Express?

I was working for a car spares delivery company and I was sat in my van behind a training bus with an advert saying 'Do you want to be in the driving seat?' and I thought yes I do, so I rang the number there and then.

What's the best thing about your role?

I absolutely love driving, so its the perfect job.

What does an average day look like for you?

Every day is different, it all depends what route you end up driving that day and where you end up around the city.

What's been your biggest achievement since working at National Express?

It would have to be getting married, its something I said I'd never do. Ironically, meeting my husband at work is something you just cant write. I had my interview on February 14th 2001 and I met my husband a year later, he had been a bus driver since 1998.

What does bus travel mean to you?

Bus travel means a lot to me, not only is it my job but it is so important for the environment. Less cars and taking more public transport can only be a good thing.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Me and my husband love to socialise! We try to spend as much time as we can with our children and grandchildren. We love having the whole family and friends round for drinks and Toms famous curry. 

We also love going away with the social side of the garage too and representing NX NATIONAL. 

I'm very passionate about supporting Birmingham's Children's Hospital too raising money for the liver ward. My granddaughter had a liver transplant there, so I want to help get as many donations as possible.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

It has to be my late mother and my mother in law, strong females in my life. 

Keep your eyes peeled for more behind the scenes interviews coming very soon.