We are UK Bus Operator of the Year!

1 year ago Wed 29th Nov 2023

UK Bus Operator of the Year winners!

We are celebrating once again this week after being named UK Bus Operator of the Year.

Scooping three accolades in this year’s UK Bus Awards - also including the title of Top Shire Operator - the firm is now confirmed as the nation’s best, according to the UK Bus Awards.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive these prestigious awards - and they are thoroughly deserved by our excellent team, here at Bluestar and Unilink in Southampton and across our operators on the south coast,” said Bluestar managing director, Andrew Wickham.

It is the third time we have won this accolade - with awards also in 2017 and 2018 - and only two other companies have ever achieved this. It is wonderful recognition for the talents of all our colleagues here - from our skilful engineers, to the managers who ensure everything runs smoothly, the cleaners who keep our buses looking good, and of course our drivers who are the daily contact point for our passengers.

The award is also a nod to the mammoth mobilisation of new routes across our region, after First Bus withdrew from the city earlier this year.

“To be named top operator is an incredible achievement - and I am very very proud of each and every one of my colleagues.”

The UK Bus Awards scheme was founded in 1996. It was designed to develop further the Bus Good Practice Awards - which were set up by the Association of Metropolitan Authorities in 1991. Judging is stringent. As well as assessing buses and drivers, the judges look at operators’ mobile apps, customer services and public relations. They also carry out mystery journeys across bus networks.

“We want to keep this momentum,” added Andrew. “From introducing brand new additions to our fleet to helping reduce congestion and improving air quality, we won’t stop looking for ways to further enhance Bluestar’s reputation in Southampton, across the UK and beyond.”

The news follows hot on the heels of our recent success in the RouteOne Awards - where we were named Large Bus Operator of the Year.