Winners in 16 categories were crowned at the 2023 routeone Awards presentation evening, which returned at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on 8 November.
In the well-attended event that has quickly drawn widespread acclaim, almost 800 coach and bus professionals gathered to recognise the sector’s finest people and operators. Presentations were made by co-hosts Ardal O’Hanlon and routeone Editor Tim Deakin.
Awards went to operators from the small to the large, and to people spanning from those in the earlier stages of their careers to others who have put in many years of service.
Among the latter was John Johnson, Commercial Director of Henley-in-Arden-based Johnsons Coaches. His decades-long contribution to the coach industry was recognised with a richly-deserved Special Award, as decided by the judges.
Speaking about the presentation evening, Event Director at organiser Diversified Communications Helen Conway says: “The routeone Awards once more upheld their status as the foremost platform for acknowledging excellence in the coach and bus industry.
“Yet again, the calibre of this year’s Awards finalists was truly exceptional. To stand out in such an innovative, creative, and dedicated industry is no small achievement, but our 2023 winners undoubtedly do so.
“It was truly remarkable to witness the industry out in full force celebrating successes. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our winners, those highly commended, and all the finalists.”
Seven judges again decided upon the winners: Joan Aitken OBE, David Cattermole, Richard Delahoy, Nigel Eggleton, Mark Fowles, Graham Russell, and Norman Thomas.
The list of winners at the 2023 routeone Awards is as follows:
Rising Star, partnered by PPG: Carol Sim, First South and South West of England.
Manager of the Year Small/Medium Operator (up to 150 vehicles), partnered by IntSol Recruitment: Ella Spencer, Greys.
Manager of the Year Large Operator (over 150 vehicles), partnered by Freeway Fleet Systems: Rebecca Rathore, Stagecoach Manchester.
Outstanding Customer Experience, partnered by Arthur Spriggs Busworld Tewkesbury: First Bus Exmoor Coaster.
Engineer of the Year Small/Medium Operator (up to 150 vehicles), partnered by Pelican Bus and Coach: Neil Wilmin, Uno.
Engineer of the Year Large Operator (over 150 vehicles), partnered by Knorr-Bremse Systems for Commercial Vehicles: Matt Smith, National Express West Midlands.
Coach Tourism Programme of the Year, partnered by the British Tourism and Travel Show: A&P Travel (Tours). Highly Commended: Johnsons Coaches.
Best Use of Technology up to 150 vehicles, partnered by C9 Recruitment: Passenger Plus.
Best Use of Technology over 150 vehicles, partnered by Euro Bus Expo 2024: National Express West Midlands. Highly Commended: Leicester City Council and the Leicester Bus Partnership.
Environment Award, partnered by Zenobē: Ember.
Small Coach Operator of the Year (up to 15 coaches), partnered by MAN Truck and Bus UK: Heathside Travel.
Medium Coach Operator of the Year (16-40 coaches), partnered by Daimler Buses UK: Passenger Plus. Highly Commended: Greys.
Small/Medium Bus Operator of the Year (up to 150 buses), partnered by Asset Alliance Group: Uno.
Large Coach Operator of the Year (over 40 coaches), partnered by Volvo Bus: Lakeside Coaches. Highly Commended: Johnsons Coaches.
Large Bus Operator of the Year (over 150 buses), partnered by C9 Recruitment: Go South Coast. Highly Commended: Lothian Buses.
Special Award, partnered by Ticketer: John Johnson, Johnsons Coaches.
The routeone Awards will return to Birmingham on 13 November 2024. Further information will be published in routeone in due course, and interested parties can join the mailing list at www.routeoneawards.com. For sales enquiries, contact Martin Laverton via email.
