Press Release

Stagecoach shortlisted for six top awards at UK Bus Oscars

· More shortlisted entries than any other UK bus operator
· Innovation, marketing and investment driving success

Stagecoach is in the running for six awards at this year’s UK bus Oscars – more than any other operator in the country.

The Perth-based transport business, which runs more than 7,300 buses across the UK, is shortlisted twice for the main Bus Operator of the Year Award for both its West Scotland and Devon companies.

Judges at the UK Bus Awards have picked out a number of Stagecoach companies for their excellence in operations, marketing, partnership working, accessibility and social responsibility.

Stagecoach has a total of nine finalist entries across the 11 categories that make up this year’s 10th anniversary awards.

The full list of Stagecoach shortlisted entries is:

· Bus Operator of the Year – Stagecoach Devon, Stagecoach West Scotland
· Bus Marketing Campaign of the Year – Stagecoach UK Bus (Where you want to be campaign), Stagecoach in East Kent (Launch of Thanet Loop)
· Claudia Flanders Memorial Award for Accessibility – Stagecoach in Oxfordshire (Oxford Tube)
· Successful Partnership Award – Stagecoach in Oxfordshire (Brookesbus)
· Award for Social Responsibility – Stagecoach North West (Every cloud has a silver lining)
· Transport for London Bus Garage of the Year – Stagecoach in London (Bow and Waterden Road garages)

Les Warneford, Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “The number of Stagecoach shortlisted entries this year reflects the strong performance of our bus operations around the country.

“Good operational management, continued innovation, effective marketing, first-class customer service and investment in new vehicles is attracting more and more people back on board our buses. We are delighted the hard work of our employees is being recognised in this year’s awards.”

John Owen, Chairman of the UK Bus Awards, comments: “Bus travel has an essential role to play in building a balanced, less congested transport environment and the provision of a quality bus network can have a measurable impact on the quality of an individual’s life. The Bus Oscars reward those schemes, initiatives and companies that are focused on providing attractive, reliable and efficient services.

“The standard of entries has been extremely high and I’m sure the judges will find it extremely tough to choose a winner in each of the categories. The quality of the nominations is testament to an industry that is working hard to improve services for its customers.”

The 2005 awards will be presented at a special 10th anniversary luncheon at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Wednesday 9 November.