First UK Bus, one of the UK’s largest bus operators, has been nominated for five prizes at this year’s National Transport Awards, one of the most respected awards ceremonies in the transport industry.
Three of First’s operating companies have been shortlisted. First Glasgow’s ‘The One’ service, which has recently benefited from significant improvements including new vehicles with their own unique livery, has been shortlisted for Excellence in Travel Information and Marketing. First Hampshire and Dorset and its partners Hampshire County Council have been shortlisted in the Transport Team/Partnership of the Year category for the Bus Rapid Transit system, Eclipse.
Meanwhile the Sheffield Bus Partnership, which includes First Yorkshire, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, Sheffield City Council and others has been shortlisted in three categories: Improvements to Bus Services; Most Innovative Transport Project; and Transport Team/Partnership of the Year. The Sheffield Bus Partnership is delivering a more simple, flexible and convenient bus network for Sheffield, with many passengers more satisfied and paying lower fares.
Dave Alexander - Regional Managing Director for First in North England said: "We are delighted that the Sheffield Bus Partnership has been nominated for three awards at the prestigious National Transport Awards. Sheffield is leading the way across the UK by using partnership to ensure that the quality of bus services is consistently improving to benefit the customers and the local communities."
Giles Fearnley, Managing Director of First UK Bus, added: “Customers are at the heart of our business and therefore I’m really pleased that we’ve been shortlisted for so many awards that reflect our ethos. There is some fantastic work being done across our operations designed to encourage new customers to travel on our buses and existing customers to travel more often.
“I am especially pleased that the Sheffield Bus Partnership features prominently in the shortlist. It’s a fantastic illustration of how working in partnership can improve our services and deliver sustainable networks that exceed customer expectations.
“I hope all our shortlisted entries do well at the National Transport Awards.”
The National Transport Awards will take place October 17 in central London.