Thamesdown Transport has taken top spot at the UK Bus Awards, gaining the titles of UK Bus Operator of the Year as well as Top Shire Operator.
The Swindon-based, publicly-owned company beat Lothian Buses, based in Scotland, in a very close contest to win the top award. The awards, now in their 16th year, attracted 250 entries in 20 categories from around the country. They were presented at a glittering ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London, yesterday attended by 650 industry figures.
Thamesdown Transport was praised for its outstanding customer satisfaction and high mystery traveller scores.
Managing director Paul Jenkins said: “To have been judged the best bus company in the country is a great achievement.
“We’re committed to making sure that we offer the best possible service for all of our customers and we listen very closely to feedback and set our targets according to what passengers say they want.
“Making sure that passengers have a safe and enjoyable journey is also of paramount importance to us. Thanks to regular investment, even through the recession, we have a modern fleet which is kept clean and well maintained in our state-of-the-art Barnfield depot.”
Awards chairman John Owen added: “In these difficult and uncertain times, we’ve been both surprised and delighted by the number and quality of entries for the 2011 UK Bus Awards.
“The finalists in this year’s Awards are contributing hugely with their bright ideas and their commitment to customer service. They are paving the way for the future success of an industry which remains firmly at the heart of our national life.”
Thamesdown is the largest provider of local bus services within Swindon, employing 270 people and running a fleet of 100 buses which cover more than 3.5m miles a year. Its bright yellow school bus double deckers carry more than 1,000 children to school each day.
The firm is owned by Swindon Borough Council but operates independently.
