31/10/2007

• Bus and marketing awards for company’s North-east and Fife operations
• Judges praise Stonehaven bus partnership with Aberdeenshire Council

Stagecoach is celebrating winning two top awards at the 2007 Scottish Transport Awards.

Judges gave the Information and Marketing Award to Stagecoach in Fife for its promotion of the Taylink 99 service, which operates between St Andrews and Dundee. Passengers have flocked to the service since it was re-launched in May 2006, with numbers now up more than 40%.

Stagecoach Bluebird, in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, received the Bus Award. The judges praised the Stonehaven Quality Bus Corridor and Coastrider service, developed through a successful Quality Partnership initiative between Aberdeenshire Council and Stagecoach Bluebird.

Robert Andrew, Regional Director, Stagecoach Scotland, said: "Strong partnerships and innovative marketing are at the heart of our success in getting Scots back on board the bus.

"We are delighted our company and our people have been recognised for their achievements in transforming public transport in Scotland, winning more awards than any other bus operator."

Martin Ford, chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “We are delighted to receive the prestigious award for the Stonehaven Quality Bus Corridor and Coastrider service, which recognises the commitment of both partners to provide attractive alternatives to the private car.

“The 19% patronage growth that has been achieved again demonstrates the public’s willingness to use more sustainable transport when services are improved through a partnership approach.”

The awards ceremony – held in Glasgow – was supported by the Scottish Government, the Scottish Transport Studies Group, Transport Scotland and the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, and celebrated industry achievements throughout Scotland.

Stagecoach is also in the running to be named for Britain's best bus operator for the third year running. The Perth-based transport group has 13 shortlisted entries across 18 categories at the 2007 UK Bus Awards – more than any other bus operator in the country.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Steve Stewart, Director of Corporate Communications
Stagecoach Group
Tel: 01738 442111
Mobile 07764 774680
E-mail: steven.stewart@stagecoachgroup.com

Notes to Editors

Stagecoach is one of the UK’s biggest bus operators, running around 7,000 buses in nearly 100 towns and cities across the country, from the Highlands of Scotland to south-west England.