09/10/2009
- Winning night for Manchester Metrolink system
- Stagecoach Supertram praised in Team of the Year category
Stagecoach Group's tram operations in Manchester and Sheffield have been recognised at the 2009 Light Rail Awards.
The London awards ceremony, held on Wednesday (7 October), proved to be a winning night for Stagecoach Metrolink in Manchester, while Stagecoach Supertram in Sheffield was also highly commended for its service delivery.
Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), which owns and invests in the Metrolink network, and Stagecoach Metrolink Ltd (SML), which operates and maintains the system, won the ‘Most Significant Safety Initiative' award, after three Metrolink stops - Old Trafford, Whitefield, and Harbour City - earned Secure Station Status earlier this year.
In addition, Stagecoach Metrolink was highly commended as the Best Customer Initiative for its accredited Travel Safe Officers scheme which sees 78 Travel Safe Officers patrolling the network seven days a week, checking tickets, providing a reassuring presence and acting as a point of contact for passengers.
The company was also highly commended in the Employee of the Year category in which two staff, Mike Mabey, Revenue & Security Manager, and George Barrow, Network Expansion Manager, were nominated.
Meanwhile Stagecoach Supertram was recognised in the Team of the Year category, being highly commended by the judges for its high quality service delivery.
Managing Director of Stagecoach Light Rail, Andy Morris, said: "Stagecoach's Metrolink and Supertram networks are used by millions of people every year and we are committed to delivering a high quality of service to our passengers. It is therefore extremely pleasing that our efforts have been recognised at such a high profile awards ceremony and I would like to congratulate all the staff involved.
"There are exciting developments underway on both systems and we look forward to welcoming even more passengers on to our services."
Philip Purdy, GMPTE's Metrolink Director, added: "I am absolutely delighted that our efforts have been recognised by our peers in the industry, and I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to this success.
"We are always striving for improvement on the network and these awards are a good benchmark for us and our operator, Stagecoach Metrolink, as we look to provide a first class service.
"The safety of passengers is a top priority for us, and both the Secure Station and Travel Safe Officer schemes reflect that – so I am pleased that they were among the honours. I'd also like to congratulate the two Stagecoach managers who have been recognised for their personal contributions."
At the 2008 Light Rail Awards, Supertram won the Project of the Year award for its ‘Refresh' scheme – a £3million upgrade programme run in partnership with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE).
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group is a leading international public transport group, with extensive operations in the UK, United States and Canada. The company employs 30,000 people, and operates bus, coach, rail, and tram services.
For further information contact:
Lindsay Reid
Corporate Communications Manager
Stagecoach Group
10 Dunkeld Road
Perth
PH1 5TW
Phone: 01738 442111
Fax: 01738 443076
Mobile: 07500 446896
