Winners to be named on 2 October as seats continue to sell strongly
Judging for the 2019 routeone Awards is complete. In what has proven to be yet another year where the quality and volume of entries were exceptional, the eight-strong panel have made their decisions in all 16 categories.
Dubbed the Oscars of the coach and bus industry, the routeone Awards have one aim: To recognise and reward excellence among operators and individuals.
The winners’ identities remain a closely guarded secret until the presentation evening. It will be held on Wednesday 2 October at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole to coincide with Coach & Bus UK.
All eight of the judges – who have each enjoyed long and successful careers in the industry – agreed that reaching decisions has been difficult. They have collectively deliberated for many days to agree upon the winners.
Finalists in the company categories have already been named [routeone/Big Story/19 June].
As the progression of potential finalists in people categories was dependent on them attending interviews, it was not possible to reveal the entire Awards shortlist at the same time.
But now, it is.
There are six people categories. One – the Special Award – does not have finalists. It is based solely on discussions between the judges. The other five are based on nominations.
The finalists in those categories are:
Engineer of the Year, small/medium operator (up to 150 vehicles)
- Stuart Brown, Lucketts Travel
- Jason Jackson, Ensignbus Co
- Paul Murdoch, Golden Boy Coaches
- Daniel McLean, Maynes Coaches
- Ian Scott, Stanley Travel.
Engineer of the Year, large operator (over 150 vehicles)
- Colin Barnes, Go North East
- Andrew Crowther, Arriva Yorkshire
- Richard Harrington, Go-Ahead London
- Mark Jordan, Lucketts Group
- Gary Mason, Nottingham City Transport.
Manager of the Year, small/medium operator (up to 150 vehicles)
- Jess Barber, Lucketts Travel
- Paul Bull, Alfa Coaches
- Raj Chander, Arriva Derby
- Richard Grey, Greys of Ely
- Robert Mason, Yorkshire Tiger
- Ross Newman, Ensignbus Co.
Manager of the Year, large operator (over 150 vehicles)
- Dan Bassett, Reading Buses
- Chris Burley, The Kings Ferry Group
- Jason Dyett, Abellio London
- Linsey Frostick, Arriva Luton and Arriva Milton Keynes
- Toni Tipper, National Express West Midlands.
Rising Star
- Emily Bainbridge, Arriva Yorkshire
- Adam Green, Arriva Southern Counties
- Shane Grindey, Blackpool Transport Services
- Alice Huntington, Abellio London
- Matthew James, Inglebys Coaches
- Katie McGrath, National Express West Midlands
- Hannah Moore, Bouden Coach Travel
- Dan Moss, Reading Buses
- Paula Russell, National Express UK Coach
- Helen Smyth, National Express UK Coach.
Tickets are selling quickly for the presentation evening. Over 800 industry professionals will be in attendance, and many places are already accounted for. Time is limited to secure your seats; visit the routeone Awards website now to book.
