Local bus operator wins national award (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

Local bus operator wins national award

1:06pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in Local News

Local bus company Metrobus are celebrating a national award which is just the ticket.

The company, which runs services in Surrey, West Sussex and Kent, including in Horley, Redhill, Reigate and Crawley, won the sought-after Bus Operator of the Year Award at the prestigious National Transport Awards 2012.

Staff were presented with their award by the BBC's Jeremy Vine.

The award looks at the range of initiatives that the operator has been involved in to improve services and facilities, together with the results that have been achieved.

The judges commented that “Bus Operator of the Year was won by Metrobus for its excellent ridership growth by being responsive and flexible to local needs.”

Alan Eatwell, managing director of Metrobus, said: "I am absolutely delighted that the Metrobus team's efforts have been recognised in this way. “ He said: “In giving us the award, the judges recognised the importance of being responsive and flexible to local needs - an approach which has helped us grow patronage by 105% on the Crawley bus network in the past ten years, for example. “ He said: “Our drivers are at the front end and do an excellent job at running a good service in what are difficult circumstances. “They are backed up by a relatively small team that includes controllers, inspectors, engineers, cleaners, planners and managers. “Everyone working together has made winning this award possible. Thank you to you all for your hard work."

Metrobus, which has its depot and head office in Crawley, employs 350 people, has 120 vehicles in its fleet, makes 14 million passenger journeys a year and notched up a 93% customer satisfaction rating in the 2011 Passenger Focus survey.