01/09/2008

Stagecoach is in the running for four top awards at the 2008 Scottish Transport Awards.

The company has been shortlisted for Operator of the Year for its Fife and Bluebird operations as well as in the Excellence in Marketing and Travel Planning category.

Stagecoach East Scotland's recently retired Engineering Director is also shortlisted for his outstanding contribution to local transport in Scotland.

Judges at the Scottish Transport Awards have picked out both Stagecoach in Fife and Stagecoach Bluebird for their patronage growth and innovation, consistency and reliability of service, customer satisfaction and high standards of safety, not to mention significant fleet investments across both networks.

Stagecoach in Fife carries over 30 million passengers per year and operates around 20 million miles. With approximately 800 employees and 315 vehicles, the company is one of the largest bus operators in Scotland with an average of around 25.3 million passenger journeys per year. , Stagecoach in Fife has achieved significant passenger growth in recent years by introducing and enhancing services, working closely with local authorities and developing new products.

Stagecoach Bluebird has increased passenger numbers by 7% over the last two years, following continued investment, excellent partnerships, improvements to existing routes and identifying opportunities within existing and new markets.

The company invested more than £5.5m in 39 brand new fully accessible low floor buses and coaches last year, making bus travel across the region an accessible and affordable travel choice for many more people.

Stagecoach Bluebird, in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, was successful at the Scottish Transport Awards last year. Both organisations received the Bus Award for the Stonehaven Quality Bus Corridor and Coastrider service as a result of their successful Quality Partnership initiative.

The Excellence in Marketing and Travel Planning category aims to recognise the information provision and promotional work involved in specific projects.

Stagecoach in Fife's Airdirect747 has been shortlisted for the award due to its extensive marketing campaigns and successful links with other transport modes and stakeholders, including connections at Inverkeithing Rail Station, Ferrytoll Park & Ride and the company's relationship with Edinburgh Airport.

Sandy Brydon, former Engineering Director for Stagecoach East Scotland, has also been shortlisted for an award. Judges have recognised his outstanding contribution to local transport throughout his career with Stagecoach and through his personal interests.

Robert Andrew, Regional Director, Stagecoach Scotland, said: "We are delighted that two of our local companies and the people within them have been recognised for their achievements in transforming public transport in Scotland.

"It is their commitment, effective operations, continued innovation, marketing strategies and first-class service that have developed our services across the country."

The 2008 awards will be presented at an awards dinner in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow on Wednesday 19 November.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Steve Stewart, Director of Corporate Communications
Stagecoach Group
Tel: 01738 442111
Mobile: 07764 774680
E-mail: steven.stewart@stagecoachgroup.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

Stagecoach is one of the UK's biggest bus operators, running around 7,000 buses in nearly 100 towns and cities across the country, from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland to south-west England.