TfGM makes UK Bus Awards shortlist

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chairman of the TfGM Committee

Some of the region’s Yellow School Buses and bus station staff are in contention for a national award.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has been shortlisted for two UK Bus Awards in the Environment, and Bus & Community categories.

The announcement was made on 6 October at the Volvo Technical Centre in Warwick.
Independent panels of judges held a series of meetings to compare and assess more than 260 nominations across the full range of categories before deciding on the final shortlist.

Howard Hartley, Head of Bus at TfGM, said: “I’m delighted that TfGM is shortlisted for two UK Bus Awards, particularly as so many organisations submitted entries this year.

“Our 'Clean Air for Schools' project aims to reduce harmful vehicle emissions in the areas around schools in Greater Manchester, by retro-fitting Yellow School Buses with innovative air pollution control equipment.

“This has already proven to be a great success – those buses retro-fitted with pollution control equipment produce 99% less harmful emissions compared to diesel buses.

“Our other nomination in the Bus & Community category recognises our work with students with learning and physical disabilities.

“Through Redwood Secondary School in Rochdale and the charity Pure Innovations in Stockport, we offer work placements in bus stations tailored to the specific needs and abilities of the students. This positive project, which we are extremely proud of, has provided placements for 17 people so far.”

The two award nominations add to an already successful year for TfGM. The organisation is shortlisted in a number of categories at the 2016 National Transport Awards and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Awards.

The latest nominations also come hot on the heels of Metrolink’s Exchange Square stop being named ‘Project of the Year under 50m Euros’ at the Light Rail Awards on 5 October. In addition, TfGM was awarded ‘Organisation of the Year’ at the St John Ambulance Everyday Heroes awards in September.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “It is proving to be a very successful year. It’s great to see our projects and staff are being recognised by our peers – congratulations to all the other finalists.”