Lux Express Estonia’s Best Bus Driver of 2026 is Sergey Nikolaev

Sergey Nikolaev has won Lux Express Estonia’s 2026 professional skills competition “Best Bus Driver”. Peeter Likk took second place, while Marius Mängel finished third. The competition, which began in April, concluded with the final held in Tartu on 22 September.

Through its annual competition, Lux Express recognises the professionalism, expertise and dedication of its bus drivers. This year, nearly 140 bus drivers working across Lux Express Estonia’s route network took part in the competition.

Participants were assessed in five categories: customer service skills, driving technique, knowledge of traffic regulations, feedback from colleagues, and a final competition designed to put their driving skills to the test. The top 20 bus drivers advanced to the final in Tartu.

Sergey Nikolaev, the competition winner from Narva, said: “Winning came as a big surprise, but deep down I had a feeling that this might be my year – and it was.” This October will mark Nikolaev’s fourth year with Lux Express. He has taken part in the last three “Best Bus Driver” competitions and finished second two years ago.

The winner received a €2,500 prize cheque, while the second-place finisher received €1,000 and the third-place finisher €500. In addition, the top ten contestants will be rewarded with a study trip to a bus manufacturing plant.

Lux Express Management Board member Ingmar Roos highlighted the central role of bus drivers in the company’s operations during the award ceremony.

“Bus drivers play a crucial role in ensuring that our passengers reach their destinations safely and comfortably. The professional skills competition gives us an opportunity to highlight the knowledge, skills and dedication of our team, and to recognise the people who carry out this highly responsible work every day,” Roos said.

Customer service skills were assessed based on passenger feedback. The bus drivers who received the most praise from customers were Alar Kattai, Mehis Kasemaa and Üllar Pahovski. In the driving technique and fuel-efficient driving category, the best results were achieved by Sergey Nikolaev, Toomas Raid and Indrek Veski. Theoretical knowledge was assessed using a questionnaire prepared by traffic instructor Silver Varendi, as well as a standard traffic theory test. Endel Kask achieved the best result, followed by Priit Marmor and Marius Mängel. In the vote among colleagues, Merike Remmel, Ervin Tolm and Rünno Kask received the most recognition.

The final competition, held near the Estonian National Museum, primarily tested the bus drivers’ driving skills, precision and confidence behind the wheel. Peeter Likk, Ants Aaviste and Sergey Nikolaev delivered the best performances, demonstrating their high level of professionalism and commitment to passenger safety and comfort.

Lux Express thanks all the bus drivers who took part in the competition, as well as its entire team of drivers, whose dedication and professionalism help provide passengers with a safe, high-quality service every day.