Congratulations to Southern Vectis, who were last week awarded Bus Operator of the Year Award. In their own words.
The National Transport Awards 2011 took place last Thursday in London, widely recognised as being the most prestigious UK awards for the bus and rail industry.
Southern Vectis was awarded the coveted “Bus Operator of the Year Award”, with the judges congratulating the company on its genuinely innovative partnership with the Isle of Wight Council. The partnership, the first of its kind, brought together the resources of a private sector bus company and a local authority.
Initiatives praised
The judges were also particularly impressed with the unique initiatives that have been developed, such as Visitor Information, Scrap my Motor and The Community Bus Partnership.
These initiatives have resulted in the continuation of vital local services and travel schemes which would otherwise have been lost as a result of local authority funding cuts.
Delighted with the award”
Southern Vectis Commercial Manager Tanya Simms said “We are absolutely delighted with the award and extremely pleased for our staff, without them, we could never have achieved what we have in the last year”.
Southern Vectis were not the only winners. The Go-Ahead Group also won the Excellence in Technology Award, for the key smartcard initiative which is being rolled out across the company’s bus operations and is due to be introduced on the Island in 2012.
Go-Ahead Group Chief Executive David Brown said:”I am delighted that Go-Ahead has won these two awards. They recognise Go-Ahead’s commitment to working in partnership with our local communities and to continuing to innovate and meet the needs of our passengers. Both awards are recognition of our staff’s commitment and hard work, and the fantastic teamwork shown across our bus and rail businesses.”
