Top City Operator sponsored by INIT Innovations
Winner, Gold Award, – Nottingham City Transport
Nottingham City Transport celebrates its 140th anniversary this year. At a 94% Transport Focus Customer Satisfaction score, NCT carries the second most satisfied bus users in the country. Nottingham bus use per head of population remains second highest outside of London, with NCT stabilising passenger numbers against a national 2.2% decline last year. A significant ‘green’ investment has occurred, with the world’s largest fleet of biogas double deckers. A programme fitting advanced exhaust treatment systems to 185 diesels, upgrading them to Euro Vl is underway. By the end of next year, and by purchasing 67 more biogas double deckers, NCT will be running a complete Euro VI fleet through a three year delivery plan.
Winner, Silver Award, – Stagecoach Merseyside
Stagecoach in Liverpool have continued to focus on investment in customers, staff and services resulting in operational improvements and sustained patronage growth.
Winner, Bronze Award, – Stagecoach Manchester
Stagecoach Manchester is the leading bus operator in the region, connecting communities, supporting economic growth, and working to protect the environment. It focusses on what its customers tell the company is important; providing safe, high quality, good value and accessible travel. The company continues to improve its service delivery, and this year achieved its highest ever customer satisfaction figure of 91%, up 9% on the previous year. Through partnership with regional transport operators, people travelling in Greater Manchester also benefit from the availability of multi-operator ticketing. By simplifying and increasing accessibility of the scheme, more customers are now choosing this option. Stagecoach Manchester is part of its local communities, and as well as helping customers get to where they want to go, the company also supports events, activities and fundraising for local charities.
Finalist, – Lothian Buses
Lothian Buses is Edinburgh’s principal bus operator and the UK’s biggest municipal company. Operating over 70 services in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas of Midlothian and East Lothian, the company has a vision to deliver a safe, efficient, sustainable and socially-inclusive transport service for all those who visit, live, work, or study in the region. In 2017, teh company created over 100 new jobs in the local economy, further modernised one of the greenest fleets in the country and stepped in to maintain vital local services to the community of Queensferry.
Finalist, – National Express West Midlands
Even in the current challenging climate, in 2017, National Express West Midlands proved that by boldly innovating, and keeping its staff motivated, it can attract and keep customers on its buses.
Finalist, – Plymouth Citybus
Plymouth Citybus has spent the past year focussed on innovation to lead the way in bus travel not just in the South West, but nationally. Headline figures show a successful picture and demonstrate growth despite a national decline in bus patronage. Carrying over 17 million passengers on a fleet of 164 buses in and around Plymouth and East Cornwall, employing over 550 staff, Citybus punches well above its weight. Over the past year, passenger volume has continued to grow per kilometre travelled, employee and stakeholder engagement continues to increase, passenger satisfaction remains at industry-leading levels, the fleet is cleaner for the environment than it has ever been, and bus punctuality remains strong despite widespread road disruption.
