News

Veolia bus driver hailed a hero

Anita Harper, Veolia Transport NSW bus driver, has been named BusNSW Bus Driver of the Year (Metropolitan and Outer Metropolitan) after her heroic involvement in a school bus accident in September 2009.

Ms Harper, aged 67, took control of the fatal accident scene saving all of the 37 children in her care after a car careered onto the wrong side of the road and ploughed head-on with the school bus.

If it wasn’t for Ms Harper’s quick thinking behind the wheel there would undoubtedly be more people seriously injured or even killed. With a broken ankle and heavily bleeding from a cut to her head, Ms Harper acted courageously passing each of the children through a window to safety. It wasn’t until all of her students were safe did she stop to consider the extent of her own injuries.

Ms Harper was honoured at the BusNSW annual general meeting on 22nd February 2010 at The Sebel Parramatta. Morris Caputi, Managing Director for Veolia Transport NSW, expressed how proud the company was of Ms Harper’s actions.

“The way Anita remained calm and professionally took control of a very difficult situation, while badly injured herself, is a testimony to her commitment and loyalty to her customers. We are proud and honoured that Anita is part of the Veolia Transport family,” says Mr Caputi.

Anita Harper has been working with Veolia Transport for eight years and has over 20 years driving experience. Ms Harper has a tremendous rapport with her customers and fellow work colleagues for her outstanding contribution to our community.

Read media release here.