10/11/2005

Stagecoach has been named Britain's best bus operator at the 2005 industry Oscars.

The company's West Scotland operation, which runs around 400 buses stretching from Dumfries to Glasgow, took the headline Belmont International Bus Operator of the Year Award and the award for Best Large Fleet operator.

UK Bus Awards judges based their decision on the high standard of the West Scotland operation, its commitment to customer service, engineering excellence and health and safety, the effectiveness of it marketing campaigns and the huge numbers of extra passengers it has attracted to bus travel.

The judges were also impressed by Stagecoach's community and staff relations, while a mystery traveller remarked on the well-maintained fleet, service reliability and the enthusiasm of the company's staff.

Tom Wileman, Managing Director of Stagecoach Scotland, accepted the award at a special lunch in London.

Stagecoach had a total of nine finalist entries across the 11 categories in this year's 10th anniversary awards. The Perth-based transport giant won more awards than any other UK bus operator, collecting four further honours:

• Stagecoach's Waterden Road depot was named London Bus Garage of the Year
• The company's Oxford Tube service won the Claudia Flanders Memorial Award for Accessibility
• The Stagecoach UK Bus' “Where you want to be” telemarketing campaign to attract more people to bus travel was runner-up in the Bus Marketing Campaign of the Year category
• Stagecoach North West received a special commendation in the Social Responsibility category for its response to the floods that hit Carlisle at the turn of the year.

Les Warneford, Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “These awards are a tribute to the dedication of all our employees across the country and show clearly the strength of our innovation, marketing, operational expertise and commitment to customers.

“Stagecoach is leading the way in attracting more people to bus travel and we are delighted to have received recognition from the industry by being named the country's best bus operator.”

John Owen, Chairman of the UK Bus Awards, said: “Achieving success on both a rural and urban service demands commitment and enthusiasm from all concerned so it's not surprising that Stagecoach West Scotland has good customer relations and employee support and development.

“Stagecoach also work closely with local authorities, business and community to tackle issues such as vandalism and anti-social behaviour, all of which contributes to a better passenger experience.”

During the awards ceremony, guests heard Transport Minister Karen Buck pay tribute to Stagecoach driver George Psaradakis, whose No.30 bus was blown up in one of the 7 July terrorist attacks in London. In a special video message, she said: “Your bravery and determination to return to work are to be congratulated.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Steve Stewart, Head of Media and Public Affairs, Stagecoach Group
Tel: 01738 442111
Mobile: 07764 774680
E-mail: steven.stewart@stagecoachgroup.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Stagecoach is one of the UK's biggest bus operators, running around 7,300 buses in nearly 100 towns and cities across the country, from the Highlands of Scotland to south-west England.
• The UK Bus Awards, now in their 10 th year, recognise excellence and best practice across the industry. Bus operators, local authorities and other organisations are judged on innovative projects that deliver better bus services for passengers.