READING’S bus operators are toasting their success after taking home a national award.
Reading Buses has been named as the UK’s Top Shire Operators at the UK Bus Award, one of the largest events recognising the work of bus companies in the country.
The award recognises the provision of the best overall service to their customers, showing investment in people, and a commitment to make bus travel the transport mode of choice in the town.
The company was also up for overall operator of the year but was trumped by fellow municipal bus company Nottingham City Transport.
Reading Buses also won a bronze award in the Partnership for Excellence category for their partnership with Heathrow, which has led to growth on their Flightline 703 service, as well as the introduction of Flightline 730/731 between Basingstoke and Heathrow Airport.
They were also among the finalists in the Recruitment and Retention category for their work enhancing the Reading Buses Academy.
It follows work alongside owners Reading Borough Council to secure government funding to improve bus priority in the town and to introduce a lower-priced day ticket for Reading.
The UK Bus Awards took place at Troxy, near Canary Wharf, London, this week.
Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer; “We were humbled to win Top Shire Operator at the UK Bus Awards.
“We were in an extremely competitive category, with operators such as last year’s winner Go South Coast, Brighton & Hove and Warrington’s Own Buses.”
“We feel this reflects the amazing work that all of our employees have done in providing a service for the people of Reading and beyond.
“We have been able to recruit and train more people at a time when other operators are struggling to run services, allowing us to continue to drive growth by increasing frequencies and expanding routes.”
“I’d like to thank all of our employees, whether drivers, engineers, cleaners, supervisors, or admin staff, and everyone else in between–this really has been a team effort and we cannot wait to see what the next 12 months brings.
“We plan to defend our title next year.”
