Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams have been recognised among the UK’s very best public transport operators after both secured top honours at the National Transport Awards in London.
Lothian Buses was named ‘Bus Operator of the Year’ and Edinburgh Trams ‘Tram Operator of the Year’, while Chief Executive Sarah Boyd received the prestigious ‘Woman of the Year’ award in recognition of her leadership and contribution to the industry.
Representing public transport networks from across the UK, the National Transport Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and achievement across the transport industry.
Lothian Buses was named ‘Bus Operator of the Year’ after delivering strong passenger growth, with patronage increasing by 3% and more than one million additional journeys recorded during the busy summer period. Alongside operational excellence, judges recognised the company’s commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves through its charity partnerships with Age Scotland and Shelter Scotland.
Edinburgh Trams was awarded ‘Tram Operator of the Year’ following another record-breaking year. Passenger numbers increased by 3.3%, reaching 12.5 million customer journeys, while the operator continued to invest in industry-leading ticketing technology and maintain the highest standards of customer service, safety and reliability.
Sarah Boyd, Chief Executive of Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, said:
“I am absolutely delighted that both Lothian and Edinburgh Trams have been recognised at the National Transport Awards.
“These awards are a tremendous honour and a testament to the people who work tirelessly every day to deliver safe, reliable and high-quality public transport for our customers.
“To be recognised as both Bus Operator and Tram Operator of the Year is a fantastic achievement and reflects the strength of Edinburgh’s integrated public transport network. I would like to thank every colleague across both businesses whose dedication, professionalism and commitment have made these successes possible.”
The awards evening also saw Sarah Boyd recognised with the Woman of the Year award, reflecting her leadership of two of Scotland’s most significant public transport organisations and her role in the integration of Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams.
Susan Deacon, Chair of Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, said:
“These award wins for Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are a testament to the dedication, professionalism and commitment shown by colleagues across both organisations.
“I would also like to congratulate Sarah on being named Woman of the Year, a thoroughly well-deserved recognition.
“The integration of Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams has been driven in no small part by Sarah’s vision, determination and collaborative approach. Her leadership has helped bring the two organisations closer together, creating a stronger, more joined-up public transport network and laying the foundations for an even better experience for our customers and colleagues.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Sarah and all our colleagues for their outstanding contribution to another exceptional year for public transport in Edinburgh.
“These achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished when talented people work together with a shared purpose, and they position us strongly for the opportunities and challenges ahead as we continue to build an integrated, customer-focused transport network for the city and region.”
