Bus firm named UK Bus Operator and Employer of the Year

The firm was named Bus Operator of the Year and Employer of the Year at a ceremony in London’s Westminster Park Plaza Hotel.

“This is fantastic recognition for the entire Go South Coast team,” said managing director, Andrew Wickham.

“Our operators have been at the forefront of new bus technology over recent months - including our trial of the world’s first air filtering bus by Bluestar in Southampton, designed to clean the air across the city. And, in Swindon, we introduced much-talked-about horseshoe style social seating in our new buses.

"We have invested heavily in new vehicles across all our operators in recent years - most recently for Morebus in Bournemouth and Poole, Swindon’s Bus Company, Southern Vectis on the Isle of Wight, and Bluestar and Unilink in Southampton - to encourage more people to leave their cars at home and use public transport instead.

“As an employer, we know it takes a great deal of hard work to attract and retain the very best talent. We are committed to developing our team, ensuring they have every opportunity to reach their career goals.

“I’m delighted judges at the National Transport Awards have recognised our efforts. I’d like to congratulate everyone and thank them for everything they have done to establish us as the UK’s very best - both as a bus operator and an employer.”

The news follows success for Go South Coast in both the UK Bus Awards and RouteOne Awards - with the company achieving top place in both.

“We’re thrilled by this success, but we won’t stop here,” added Andrew. “Go South Coast will continue to introduce new buses with the very latest in new technology - including free WiFi, USB charging points, contactless ticketing and low emissions Euro 6 engines.

“Our aim is also to ensure people across the south coast and in Wiltshire enjoy comprehensive bus services - and that means listening and responding to our customers’ needs wherever possible.”

The annual National Transport Awards celebrate the successes achieved on national and local transport projects. Judging is based on tangible efforts to improve the experience for transport users - ultimately adding to the successful development of the nation’s transport infrastructure.