Motorcoach Driver with Over 2 Million Safe Driving Miles Selected for National Safety Honor

The American Bus Association’s Motorcoach Driver of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond the performance of his or her duties as an Over-The-Road Motorcoach Driver, professionally executing safe motorcoach operation, while providing the traveling public with the safest form of passenger transportation in the United States.

2024 Winner: Phillandor Knight, Peter Pan Bus Lines

A long-time Peter Pan Bus Lines driver has earned national recognition for his skills and lengthy safe driving record.

Phillandor Knight, based out of the Secaucus, NJ location for the New York Division of Peter Pan Bus Lines, was selected from among numerous qualified nominees across the country as the 2024 American Bus Association Motorcoach Driver of the Year.

Knight is only the fifth person to be recognized with this award, which was created to recognize drivers who go above and beyond their duties in service to their company and fellow drivers while providing safe travel to passengers across the nation.

With over 2.1 million safe driving miles logged in his career, Phil is known not only for his considerable driving skills but also for his exemplary customer service. Up to this point, he has safely transported over 600,000 passengers to their destinations, and this count continues to grow. Starting each day with a smile, a positive demeanor, and impeccably dressed, Phillandor consistently embodies the qualities of an exceptional motorcoach operator.

The team at Peter Pan Bus Lines presented several deserving candidates for this award and there were several other considerably worthy candidates to choose from. Phil embodies Peter Pan’s guiding motto “Pride in the Ride.” Internally, he is an advocate for the Peter Pan brand, leadership initiatives, and technology, including vocal support of their ELD Driver Scorecard and driver monitoring systems; Phil is a well-renowned driver trainer.

Phillandor's positive attitude and outstanding professionalism extend beyond his achievements to his role as a mentor for new drivers embarking on their careers at Peter Pan Bus Lines. Actively engaged in the company’s driver training program, Phil goes above and beyond to impart invaluable knowledge and skills to the next generation of motorcoach operators, truly going the extra mile. His expertise surpasses the miles traveled on the road, establishing him as a reliable resource for new drivers seeking guidance.

The award was announced during the opening general session of the Winter Meeting of the Bus Industry Safety Council, the oldest and premier safety organization for the motorcoach industry. The event was held in conjunction with the annual ABA Marketplace event on January 15, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee during the largest gathering of motorcoach operators in North America. Throughout his career, Phil has earned several safe driving awards at Peter Pan Bus Lines, as well as winning recognition from the National Safety Council for 2 million safe driving miles and 25 years of accident-free driving.

“Phillandor Knight is a remarkable driver who consistently demonstrates professionalism through both demeanor and appearance daily. He prioritizes the safety of passengers and the public, embodying the characteristics of a truly professional motor coach operator” said Chris Crean, Vice President of Safety & Security.

This award is sponsored by Motor Coach Industries (MCI) to honor the people who make the industry run.

“Motorcoach drivers are the face and backbone of our industry,” said ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso. “They deliver millions of passengers safely each year to their destinations and provide top notch customer service. They are truly the representatives of our member companies that our customers always see and become the face of the operating company to them. People always remember their driver and the experience they had with them on a trip.” In light of the ongoing driver shortage that many motorcoach companies are currently facing, providing an incentive to potentially help with recruitment or retention is another benefit that the American Bus Association can offer its members and the industry.

Peter Pan Bus Lines proudly marks its 90th anniversary, connecting people and places for nearly a century! As a privately owned and fourth-generation operated motor coach company in the United States, it extends its services to over 75 communities throughout the Northeast. Serving destinations, such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and beyond, Peter Pan emphasizes its commitment to offering a daily express service. Renowned for its dedication to environmental sustainability, the company is recognized as one of the most eco-friendly and cost-effective transportation options. Peter Pan holds the highest safety rating accredited by both the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Defense.