Bravery of First Bus drivers is recognised at national awards

Two drivers with First Bus in Scotland have received national recognition for their bravery in dealing with violent and dangerous situations while on duty.

Mansour Ensari confronted a passenger threatening others with scissors and then prevented the person from dying in a suicidal jump from a bridge over the M8 motorway in April last year.

Mansour had only been driving with First Bus for three months at the time but was named Frontline Employee of the Year at the Scottish Transport Awards.

Fellow driver, Alex Whitelaw stepped in to defend a teenage girl as she was attacked in the street and his courage earned him a Highly Commended honour in the same category.

Mansour, 31, who joined in January 2025 said he was “truly honoured”. And in a message which colleagues said is typical of his attitude he paid tribute to drivers at the Caledonia depot in Glasgow where he is based.

 “I would like to dedicate this recognition to all my colleagues, managers and everyone across the company who have supported and encouraged me along the way,” he said.

Mansour was driving a number 38 Glasgow Fort – Newton Mearns service when a passenger began threatening others with scissors. He acted quickly to protect those on board by pulling over safely, contacting the police and instructing passengers to leave. The man also attempted to assault Mansour.

After getting off the bus, the passenger climbed over the barrier of a bridge above the M8 motorway. He had been threatened moments before but Mansour made the brave decision to follow in an attempt to talk him down. Despite the obvious danger to himself, he tried to restrain the man from jumping. Although Mansour ultimately lost his grip, his actions delayed the fall long enough for motorway traffic below to halt, preventing a potentially far more catastrophic outcome.

General Manager of the depot, Scot Seivwright, said: “He always has a smile on his face. He is customer focused, works very well with colleagues and has shown outstanding compassion. The way Mansour handled such a highly stressful situation was truly remarkable, and we are very proud to have him as part of our team at Caledonia.”

Alex Whitelaw, 46, has been a driver at the Scotstoun depot for nearly two years.

Witnessing a teenage girl being assaulted in the street, also in April 2025, Alex stopped the number 3 bus to Govan Bus Station and intervened, placing himself between the attacker and the victim. He removed the girl from harm and brought her back onto the bus to safety. In the aftermath, he checked she was calm and supported, also reuniting her with her relieved parents. 

Staff Manager Robert Stead said: “Alex consistently receives positive feedback from customers, trainers and fellow drivers. He takes pride in ensuring passengers are treated with respect and always puts their safety ahead of his own. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

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