Scottish Transport Awards Book of Winners 2023

SCOTTISH TRANSPORT AWARDS BOOK OF WINNERS

transporttimes

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Welcome

Collaboration is the key to success in the Scottish transport industry It was a real privilege to attend my first Scottish Transport Awards as interim Chief Executive of Transport Scotland and as head of the Judging Panel.

It’s been an extremely busy 12 months in our sector and that’s clearly demonstrated by the range and quality of award entries. The Judging Panel really enjoyed reading about the projects put forward and some of the decisions were incredibly difficult. We’ve seen innovation and collaboration at its finest, great examples of community partnerships and our Regional Transport Partnerships delivering successfully. And I’m really proud that Transport Scotland was part of the team, along with partners such as Police Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council as Team/Partnership of the Year for the incredibly complex work following the death of the Queen – a truly unprecedented task.

In my relatively short time since returning to Transport Scotland, I can already see that there is so much good work happening. I am delighted to be working with the new Ministerial team, and it’s good to see female leadership at the top of our field, shaping the future of transport. Of course I would say that, wouldn’t I, but if someone had told me when I was starting out as a graduate civil engineer that I would be leading our national transport agency, supporting a female Transport Minister and Cabinet

offers so much more.

Our work is helping to reduce inequalities, tackle climate change, deliver inclusive economic growth, and improve the health and wellbeing of our people – the priorities of our National Transport Strategy. The people of Scotland rely on us to develop and operate a sustainable transport and travel system that creates the conditions for Scotland to be a successful country, provide opportunities and increase wellbeing.

It’s sometimes easy to forget this when you’re caught up in the day-to-day of working life, and it’s why events such as the Scottish Transport Awards are so important – so we can recognise and celebrate our achievements and collaborative working – and share best practice and our collective vision. After so many years of Teams calls, it was fantastic to see so many of you and catch up properly at the STAs. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many of you so far in recent weeks, and look forward to seeing many more of you in person in the months ahead.

There is no doubt we are entering a genuinely transformative phase which will require more innovation and courage than ever before. We must step out of our comfort zone and embrace technology to help us become a more resilient, modern and efficient sector.

As the leader of Transport Scotland I want to work with

Alison Irvine Interim Chief Executive for Transport Scotland and Chair of the Scottish Transport Awards Judging Panel

"The transport system has changed beyond recognition in recent years" Secretary, I’m not sure I would have believed you.

In an industry not historically known for diversity, it can only be a positive that we now have strong female role models – and I was really delighted to present SPT Chief Executive, Valerie Davidson with her award for outstanding contribution to transport. But of course there is more to be done to ensure that diversity and equality are imbedded in the industry and become the cultural norm.

We all know how important transport is to supporting the people of Scotland. What we are seeking to deliver and change

partners to deliver the key outcomes and priorities, making considerable progress with our public transport system to make it more accessible, available, and affordable, with the costs of transport more fairly shared across government, business and society. Continuing to work to reduce car kilometres by 20% by 2030, with more 20mph zones, improved road safety and Low Emission Zones in our four largest cities. We will deliver a significant shift in terms of spaces where people can walk, wheel and cycle safely and confidently, putting people first, not cars and deliver a higher proportion of zero-emission vehicles on our roads and electrify our railways.

Of course the transport system has changed beyond recognition in recent years.

People are travelling differently.

They are not using our public transport networks in the same way - so long designed to support commuting demands, they are not travelling to work as often nor shopping in our high streets as they once did.

So while our outcomes haven’t changed, the context we need to deliver in has – and that means we need to change how we work together to deliver for the public. Collaboration is key to our success.

And having seen the quality of award entries and winners this year, I’m confident we can deliver that together.

Sponsored by

Supported by

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Contents

11

18

25

19

27

20

28

Frontline Employee of the Year

Oustanding Contribution to Transport

15

21

29

16

23

30

Best Bus Service

13

Most Effective Road Safety, Traffic Management and Enforcement Project

14

Best Practice of Travel to School and Work Schemes

Excellence in Walking, Public Realm and Cycling

Contribution to Sustainable Transport

17

Excellence in Technology and Innovation

The Scottish Transport Awards 2023 Book of Winners has been produced by Passenger Transport magazine w: www.passengertransport.co.uk Designer: Keith Simpson (keith@one-creative.com).

Transport Team/ Partnership of the Year

Excellence in Travel Information and Marketing

Most Innovative Transport Project of the Year

Rail Supplier of the Year

Excellence in Transport Accessibility

Excellence in Transport Design

Lifetime Contribution to Transport

Airport of the Year

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Public Transport Operator of the Year

This publication and the Scottish Transport Awards logo is copyright © Transport Times Events Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher.

Transport Times Events Ltd, Registered in Scotland No. SC714075 Trading & Registered Office: 60 Laurel Brae, Springfield, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5AD e: grant.poulton@transporttimes.co.uk w: www.transporttimes.co.uk

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SIEMENS MOBILITY

Partnering to transform Scotland’s railway Alex is one of Siemens Mobility’s 250 rail experts in Scotland, bringing track and train technology together to transform everyday journeys for the people of Scotland. siemens.co.uk/sustainablemobility

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Foreword

We are driving sustainable solutions I feel privileged to lead a portfolio of so many exciting transport projects across the country and it was a real pleasure to attend the Scottish Transport Awards as one of my first engagements in my new role.

I can’t think of a better way to get to grips with my new brief than by celebrating the industry’s achievements over the past year – from excellence in active travel, design, technology and innovation across all modes – to highlighting the individuals and teams who have driven forward these projects and who are at the forefront of Scottish transport.

There’s no denying the difficulties we have experienced in recent years, with the effects of the pandemic still being felt across all sectors and hardships undoubtedly heightening with the Cost of Living crisis and extraordinary rates of inflation

seen a fantastic increase in young people across Scotland travelling by bus, with over 68 million journeys taken since the scheme launched last January. And over 3,800 bikes have now been provided to school children who cannot afford them.

The ongoing Fair Fares Review, which focuses on a sustainable and integrated approach to fares, will build on this - supporting the long-term viability of public transport as we recover from the pandemic.

I look forward to sharing the results of this really important work by the end of the year .

As well as improving public transport services, we know that reduction of car use is essential, alongside a switch to cleaner vehicles, to enable us to decarbonise the transport system at a pace that is sufficient to meet our statutory targets.

we’ve seen in recent times.

Despite these challenges, we continue to work together to deliver the vision of Scotland’s National Transport Strategy, through active and sustainable travel projects, addressing our climate targets and helping to make transport more affordable, accessible and available for all users.

This joint approach is especially key to our commitment to meet our ambitious goals to reduce emissions. Of course, public transport plays a vital role in this and we continue to encourage people to use our growing active travel infrastructure – ensuring that walking, cycling and wheeling are the natural choice for shorter journeys – and our bus and rail networks for everyday travel.

We’re already making real progress. Through the Under 22s free travel scheme, we have

We recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but our route map to achieving a 20% reduction in car kilometres contains a range of options for everyone to consider – including the needs of people in rural and island areas and people on low incomes - to help enable a just transition to net zero.

Everyone involved in the Scottish Transport Awards is working to improve our transport system, looking at solutions to help achieve our climate change targets and encouraging sustainable services and behaviours – all within the context of financial hardship.

There is no doubt that our partnerships and joint working are key to achieving our shared ambitions, and I firmly believe that we can achieve those goals together.

Fiona Hyslop MSP Minister for Transport

"There is no doubt that our partnerships and joint working are key to achieving our shared ambitions, and I firmly believe that we can achieve those goals together"

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Judging panel

Meet our panel of expert judges

Alison Irvine Chair of the Judging Panel & Interim Chief Executive, Transport Scotland Alison has held various policy and delivery posts across the Scottish Government latterly leading the Cabinet, Parliament and Governance Division in Scottish Government covering all legislation and parliament business, the running of Cabinet as well as Protocol and Honours.

A Chartered Civil Engineer and graduate from the University of Strathclyde, Alison joined Transport Scotland in 2008. As the former Director of Transport Strategy and Analysis, she played a key role in developing the new National Transport Strategy, addressing transport aspects of the Climate Change Plan, and setting investment priorities through the Strategic Transport Projects Review. Alison supported ministers during Covid-19 and EU Exit, overseeing business case development and post-opening evaluations for major projects.

Prior to her time at Transport Scotland, she spent 18 years as a transport planner.

Professor Iain Docherty Dean, Institute for Advanced Studies University of Stirling In addition to his research and teaching, Iain has worked with and advised a range of private sector, governmental and other organisations including governments and public agencies in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and Sweden, and the OECD. In 2015 he was appointed by the ESRC and Innovate UK as one of five Thought Leaders working to integrate scientific innovation and social science research across the UK, and subsequently as one of the Co-Investigators and Infrastructure Theme Lead of the £1.2m ESRC Productivity Insights Network bringing together leading social science academics to help address the UK economy's resilient productivity gap. He is currently one of three senior researchers leading the UK Research and Innovation-funded project on the transport and mobility implications of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in 2021 was appointed as a Director of the National Transport Authority in Ireland.

Dr George Hazel OBE Director, George Hazel Consultancy George is a Director of the George Hazel Consultancy, an Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology and Chair of the Advisory Panel for the Transport Research Institute, Edinburgh Napier University.

He was a member of the UK Secretary of State for Transport’s Steering Group for National Road User Charging, Chair of the World Roads Congress C10 Committee, researching urban areas and transport, Chair of the Scottish Public Policy Unit’s Transport Commission and Chair of Transport 2000’s Forum on Revitalising Communities on Main Roads. He is an expert on towns and city regions and has written a book on Making Cities Work.

Previously he was Professor of Transport Policy at the Centre for Transport Policy, where he looked after the consultancy business. From 1996 to 1999 he was Director of City Development for the City of Edinburgh Council, responsible for planning, economic development, transport and property.

Daisy Narayanan MBE Head of Placemaking and Mobility, The City of Edinburgh Council Daisy Narayanan is the Head of Placemaking and Mobility at the City of Edinburgh Council where she leads on delivering a city-wide integrated approach to transport and placemaking.

Daisy is on the Board of Architecture & Design Scotland and a member of the Evidence Group for Scotland's Climate Assembly. She was on the Active Travel Task Force set up by the Minister for Transport and the Islands. She recently won the Civic Servant of the Year Award from the Academy of Urbanism.

Drawing on her previous experience working as an architect and urban designer in India, Singapore, England and Scotland, Daisy is passionate about creating places for people: places that reflect and complement the communities that live in them.

A music aficionado, a bookworm and a linguist, Daisy spends her time enjoying the Scottish outdoors with her husband and two children.

Bettina Sizeland Director of Bus, Accessibility and Active Travel, Transport Scotland Bettina recently joined Transport Scotland as Director for Bus, Accessibility and Active Travel (BAAT).

A chartered civil engineer, she previously worked for the Scottish Government as Deputy Director for Culture and Historic Environment and before that as Deputy Director for Tourism and Major Events. She previously spent 10 years in Africa and Asia as an engineering adviser for the Department for International Development.

As Director for BAAT, Bettina oversees the delivery of an ambitious policy agenda, working with delivery partners to improve sustainable, accessible transport options and get the travelling public back to buses, walking, cycling and wheeling.

Her Directorate also operates concessionary travel schemes and works with operators to ensure all journeys on Scotland's bus, rail, ferry, subway and tram networks can be ticketed or paid for using smart technologies.

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ALAMY / AP PHOTO / SCOTT HEPPELL

Highlights

Transport Scotland won the Transport Team/Partnership category for the no-notice task associated with the passing of the late Queen

…and a selection of winners

ScotRail won the Excellence in Transport Design award for its Highland Explorer

Story Contracting won the Rail Supplier of the Year award for its social value strategy

AGS Airports was the winner of the Airport of the Year category for Glasgow Airport

Lothian won the Excellence in Transport Accessibility award for 'Swap with Me'

Edinburgh Trams scooped the coveted Public Transport Operator of the Year award

Cycling Scotland was recognised for its work delivering Bikeability schemes in Dundee

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Best Bus Service

A submission in this category should demonstrate how changes to bus services and facilities have brought about improvements. An increase in passenger numbers; modal shift; improved customer satisfaction ratings; or improved reliability are all examples of the ways success could be documented.

WINNER

STRATHCLYDE PARTNERSHIP FOR TRANSPORT Keeping Communities Connected Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s commitment to Community Transport (CT) enshrines the principle of public transport as a public service which all sections of society should have a right to access. SPT plays a vital coordination and funding role amongst numerous community providers to ensure coverage and service provision amongst some of the most deprived areas and those who don’t have access to a car either on affordability or disability grounds.

Each has its own unique challenges.

Whilst around 80% of SPT’s geographic area is classified as accessible or remote rural settlements, in terms of population, only 8% of the SPT area residents live in such areas. Remote rural settlements and small towns tend to have a higher proportion of the population aged over 60 than urban areas or accessible rural/small towns.

Some of the key transport issues for rural areas include limited public

transport options (especially in very remote settlements), higher costs, longer journeys, lack of walking and cycling infrastructure, reduced accessibility, and car dependency.

The west of Scotland also has some of the highest concentrations of socially deprived areas where affordability can be a barrier to accessing public transport.

CT plays a key role in ensuring such communities remain connected. This means groups who might otherwise have limited accessibility can improve their quality of life and mental health by reducing isolation and increasing social interaction, which helps to promote their own wellbeing. It is a key contributor in helping ensure that communities are able to access a range of essential services and facilities such as shopping and healthcare and can, in particular, help better support people with disabilities and reduced mobility.

The West of Scotland Community Transport Network, set up by SPT, continues to support and help coordinate “third sector” transport in the region, to maintain vital services whilst also providing opportunities for driver training and improved vehicle maintenance. Since the beginning of 2021, SPT has awarded grants totalling £2.7m to sustain CT services.

Drumchapel remains one of the most socially disadvantaged communities in SPT’s area, with some streets identified in the top 5% most deprived SIMD areas in Scotland.

The area experiences high unemployment rates and higher proportions of people living with disabilities.

Access to public transport & affordability

are among the key issues. The daytime Mon-Sat CB2 service is operated by Community Transport Glasgow (CTG) and provides a lifeline bus service for vulnerable Drumchapel residents. However, in 2021, recognising that the vehicle was coming to the end of its life, with increasing reliability issues and growing repair costs, SPT awarded CTG £95k for the purchase of a new fully accessible low-floor minibus to operate on the service.

For many elderly and disabled Drumchapel residents, the investment

by SPT will mean longer-term access to essential services and facilities such as local shops, leisure and healthcare appointments is maintained.

In 2017 the CB8 service was launched, linking Girvan and Barr, operated by South Ayrshire Community Transport (SACT). It was the first scheduled bus service the rural settlement of Barr had had in 10 years and it provides a fully accessible bus service, five times a day, four days a week, serving communities along the route.

In 2022, SPT awarded SACT £100k to purchase a new fully accessible low-floor minibus to operate on the service replacing the previous vehicle which was over six years old and had been operating on challenging hilly terrain. The new bus has enabled SACT to reduce maintenance and operating costs and supports the continued delivery of Community Transport in South Ayrshire by keeping the costs of providing the service at an affordable level.

SPT’s investment enables SACT to provide services to the elderly, disabled, children, young people, rural residents, and community groups so that they can connect to wider services. This promotes both social inclusion and individual health and wellbeing.

Other shortlisted entries: McGill’s Bus Group: Switch Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd: Citylink AIR - Glasgow to Edinburgh Airport FlixBus & McGill’s Partnership: New Glasgow-Dundee-Stirling-Perth-Aberdeen Service

Previous winners: 2022: Scottish CityLink Coaches – Saltire Cross Network 2020: Scottish Citylink Coaches - Service 900: Glasgow – Edinburgh 2019: First Glasgow, Service 75 – Best Bus Service 2018: Stagecoach West Scotland, Go More With X74 2017: Stagecoach North Scotland - JET 727 2016: Lothian Country Buses Service 113 Going Your Way

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ULTRA SMART CYCLE SYSTEM

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Most Effective Road Safety, Traffic Management and Enforcement Project Sponsored by

This category encompasses all aspects of road safety, traffic management and enforcement. Examples of projects that would qualify are speed management, road space reallocation projects (for example bus lanes) and parking enforcement schemes. We will be looking for results such as casualty reductions, improved journey reliability, modal shift, or congestion reduction.

WINNER

GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL Ultra Smart Cycle System (USCS) Glasgow City Council’s Ultra Smart Cycle System (USCS) combines technological innovation with good old-fashioned handson support that has had, and will continue to have, a positive impact on mode choice among children who will hopefully use their bikes both for school travel and more widely.

Shawlands Primary School’s ever-growing Bike Bus with 50 participants, and which is continually growing, requested assistance as drivers using the busy, complex Shawlands Cross junction on part of the school route were becoming increasingly impatient leading to distress in some children.

Glasgow’s Road Safety Unit agreed to undertake several actions to improve safety, which included the supply of hi-vis vests, 360 headcams, route banners, route assessment, bike lights, and winter gear as well as social media campaigns. However, the main consideration was how could technology keep the group together as they negotiated the complex right turn at Shawlands Cross. Traffcom was tasked with finding a solution. A new system was designed that allowed the Bike Bus organisers to interact with the traffic signal controller as they approached the junction.

The ‘Ultra-Smart Cycle System’ (USCS) was created and consists of a Control Unit and Transmitter. The bike-mounted transmitter has three buttons and can activate up to three receiver units with a range of 100 metres. It sends an advanced demand signal to the traffic signals to change and remains active for an extended period to allow the group to safely cross the junction. The transmitter unit is 3D printed, making it self-contained and easy to install. The receiver unit is mounted within a traffic signal head and connected to the controller. The controller is programmed to only react during specific time periods.

When activated, the controller departs from its normal operation, cycles to the stage

associated with the Bike Bus, and holds that stage on green for 45 seconds. This allows the children to safely negotiate the junction.

Three buttons allow for future expansion with each button activating a different encrypted signal using military-grade encryption algorithms.

The USCS has been described as a “game changer” by many in the active travel community and has resulted in the already famous Shawlands Bike Bus becoming an international sensation. Most importantly, the USCS, along with supporting resources, has now made the journey safe and more enjoyable for everyone. Motorists now see the bike bus as the norm and the sound of horns from frustrated drivers is now a thing of the past as the bike bus continues to grow in numbers.

The USCS has also sparked a miniinternational online buzz, with some groups and local authorities recognising the significance of the development. Many have praised Glasgow City Council for not only developing the USCS, but also for the overall support provided to the bike bus, as well as the effort, commitment, initiative, and innovation used to find a solution.

As a result of the USCS development, four schools have come forward to seek support and guidance on how to set up a bike bus and the Road Safety Unit now has a dedicated officer to manage the requests for walking and cycling buses. Staff continue to be proactive in developing School Travel Plans and linked measures to promote behavioural change on the school journey.

Due to the interest generated by the USCS Glasgow was approached by and is

now working with Strathclyde University to produce an online tool to support bike bus co-ordinators with advice and guidance on how to choose a suitable route and what factors should be taken into consideration, including the possibility of requiring a USCS on the chosen route. This research itself is a new and exciting development and will be shared nationally when complete.

This innovative solution is just the beginning of how design and technology as well as hands-on support can encourage active travel and challenge the mindset of the small minority of drivers who, at first, saw the bike bus as an inconvenience.

Other shortlisted entries: South Lanarkshire Council: Road Safety Education, Training and Publicity (ETP) Programme Lothian Buses: Risk Factory Bus

Previous winners: 2022: South Lanarkshire Council – Casualty Reduction Programme 2020: City of Edinburgh Council - 20mph Programme 2019: Scotland TranServ, Strategic Road Safety Team: Saving Lives through Innovation 2018: Police Scotland’s Operation Close Pass supported by Cycling Scotland and Road Safety Scotland 2017: City of Edinburgh Council - School Streets Project 2016: Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and South Lanarkshire Council -Route Action Plans

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Best Practice of Travel to School and Work Schemes An entry in this category should demonstrate developments in school and work transport schemes, which have delivered modal shift or improved safety.

WINNER

CYCLING SCOTLAND Active Travel Dundee (Schools) Bikeability Scotland cycle training supported by Cycling Scotland Bikeability Scotland cycle training in Dundee is overseen by Active Travel Dundee at Ancrum Outdoor Centre, with Derek Napier, Outdoor Learning Manager, heading a team of co-ordinators, including Norbert Boros, Callum Riddoch and Billy Thomson. The team work with volunteers, teaching staff and all 33 primary schools in Dundee to help pupils benefit from cycle training, alongside other active travel initiatives.

This nomination was supported by Cycling Scotland, the national cycling organisation.

Working with others, the charity helps ensure that anyone, anywhere can cycle easily and safely. Cycling Scotland manages Bikeability Scotland cycle training, with funding from Transport Scotland.

While Dundee Council have been engaged with the Bikeability Scotland programme since its inception in 2010, the first few years faced coordination challenges and resulted in no on-road cycle training being delivered in the authority’s schools. However, in the subsequent decade, with firstly coordination responsibility shifting to Ancrum Outdoor Centre, followed by annual grant funding support for a designated full-time coordinator post provided by Cycling Scotland, delivery has gone from strength to strength.

In the last academic session (2021-22), Dundee became the sixth local authority in the country to provide Bikeability Scotland training to all primary schools.

Nearly 3,000 pupils had the opportunity to develop essential on-road cycling skills through Level 2 training. This level focuses on competencies like effective signalling, proper observations, and correct road positioning, encouraging short bike journeys.

The decision-making aspect is crucial for safe on-road travel, especially as pupils transition to secondary school and face longer journeys.

In collaboration with Cycling Scotland, the Active Travel (Schools) team at Ancrum provides comprehensive support for curricular-based cycle training in Dundee schools. This includes engagement with schools, road safety information, access to instructors, bikes, and bike maintenance.

The team also offers additional services such as supporting the development of school travel plans, organising pupil-led

active travel clubs, community litter picks along cycle paths, supervised bike rides for school trips, after-school bike clubs, free bike provision, and essential cycle skills training for families. Through the Bikeability Scotland program, Dundee Council strengthens partnerships with local primary schools, promoting active travel to school as a collective responsibility.

Bikeability Scotland Coordinator, Norbert Boros said: “We are both privileged and passionate about providing Dundee’s children with this fantastic life skill, helping them to ride safely on the road. We aim to continue to help deliver a cultural change towards more active travel to and from schools and during non-school time”.

From 2010 to 2016, the average annual delivery rate for Bikeability Scotland cycle training in Dundee was 12% of primary schools, much of which was playgroundbased. In 2021-22, and after two heavily disrupted years during the pandemic, Dundee delivered Bikeability Scotland training to all of their 33 primary schools for the first time, with nearly 3,000 pupils benefitting from the opportunity to develop essential life skills.

This included 97% of the authority’s primaries participating in Level 2 on-road training, with over 1,300 pupils involved. This compares favourably to the national figure of 50%, itself a record for the programme.

In 2021-22, Dundee provided all three levels of Bikeability Scotland training. Level 3 training involved over 50 secondary pupils.

The Active Travel Dundee team conducted six Instructor courses, training 32 volunteers and school staff. Led rides were organised to reinforce the knowledge and skills gained

in Level 2 training, including rides for local school trips. A total of 12 rides took place, involving more than 300 pupils.

More than four-fifths (82%) of parents are more in favour of letting their children cycle after completing the training. Almost twothirds (65%) of pupils were more confident cycling after Bikeability training, and 45% reported cycling more frequently.

Ben Clark, Principal Teacher at Eastern Primary School, said, “As well as offering Bikeability sessions, the Ancrum team met regularly with our active travel group, listening to pupils’ voices and helping them promote active travel to school.”

Eva, a pupil at Eastern, added: “Thank you Bikeability for helping me gain my confidence back on my bike.”

Other shortlisted entries: Glasgow City Council: Ultra Smart Cycle System (USCS) Cycling Scotland: Cycling Friendly School: supporting the journey from home to school Sustrans: e-Bikes for Teachers

Previous winners: 2022: Living Streets - WOW Activity Tracker 2020: South Lanarkshire Council - School Travel Plans 2019: Western Isles Council Bikeability Scotland cycle training, supported by Cycling Scotland 2018 winner: Sustrans Scotland - Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge 2017: Fife Council - WoW Walking in Travel to School and Work Ahead 2016: Fife Council

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Excellence in Walking, Public Realm and Cycling

Entries in this category need to demonstrate how particular policies and projects have improved the street environment. Examples of initiatives for this Award include environmental enhancement schemes, pedestrian schemes or parking and warden policies. Before and after photographs help the Judges with this category. Alternatively, a cycling strategy may form the basis of a submission for this category or an individual scheme, which has brought significant benefits. Increased numbers of people cycling or reduced cycle casualties are two ways that you could document the success of your work.

WINNER

ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL The Aberdeenshire Bothy The Aberdeenshire Council area covers 2,437 square miles and has a growing population, currently estimated at 261,960.

Aberdeenshire is home to a local economy based on oil, fishing, farming and tourism.

The area is linked by some 3,300 miles of roads (over 10% of the national stock), around 100 supported bus services and six railway stations. The transport challenges faced by council are numerous and varied.

However, through clear strategies supported across political lines the council is rising to these challenges and delivering high quality services to the residents and businesses of Aberdeenshire.

A bothy is a Scottish shelter located in rural areas, available for free use by anyone. Cycling UK in Scotland operates a

network of Bothies with project officers, collaborating with local communities and authorities. Bothies serve as welcoming hubs for walkers and cyclists, offering inspiration, assistance, and advice.

Aberdeenshire Council has partnered with Cycling UK in Scotland to extend the Bothy network into the Aberdeenshire area, based on the successful practices developed through Cycling UK in Scotland's projects in Inverclyde.

The Aberdeenshire Bothy project aims to address barriers to walking and cycling in towns, promoting inclusive and accessible active travel options. By encouraging daily active travel, the project seeks to improve overall health and well-being. Initially focused on five designated Integrated Travel Towns (Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie, and Portlethen), the project implements comprehensive interventions, both soft and hard, starting from June 2021.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the team quickly adapted and created online resources and videos showcasing potential walk and cycle routes in the area. The project focused on led cycle rides, cycle confidence sessions, family cycle sessions, pop-up events, bike maintenance classes, and more. They collaborated with health walk providers to share resources and knowledge, promoted local routes through YouTube, and offered community volunteering opportunities. The project team meets monthly to analyse findings and develop strategies. Due to its success, proposals for expansion of the project are currently being developed for wider implementation in the future.

Between May 2021 and May 2022, 966

people were engaged against a target of 150, and there were 43 led rides (target = 50), 65 Better Biking Sessions (30), 33 Family Cycling Sessions (10) and seven volunteers trained (16). YouTube videos of local routes registered 1,600 views.

There were 28 Pop Up Bothy events with journey planning, route advice and bike try outs, against a target of 25. This included some which were held in partnership with Police Scotland, Live Life Aberdeenshire and Home Energy Scotland. At these events people were able to have their bikes checked over by a locally based bike doctor and have them security marked by the police, as well as try out e-bikes and receive Better Biking training all at the same event.

In addition the Bothy has also been present at events hosted by other organisations, such as Run Garioch, Tour of Britain (in Inverurie) and the Aberdeen Healthy & Wellbeing festival.

The Bothy has been successful in engaging people who were not confident cyclists, and in attracting more women to cycle. Over 70% of participants in cycling sessions were female this year, demonstrating the latent interest in cycling among women despite the fact that typically fewer women cycle than men. Across the cycling activities, around 80% of participants (from 40 respondents) did not feel comfortable cycling on roads before their sessions, with 40% classifying themselves as absolute beginners or non-cyclists. After the sessions, 95% of all participants felt more confident about cycling and 90% felt safer. More than half of participants planned to start cycling for journeys that they were presently doing by car.

Commended: Cycling Scotland: Increasing access to active travel through Social Housing Partnership Fund

Other shortlisted entries: Stantec: Stantec Active Travel Team Glasgow City Council: South West City Way Extension - St. Andrew’s Drive South Lanarkshire Council: Active Travel Studies Cycling Scotland: Adult Cycle Training and the Impact of Grant Funding

Previous winners: 2022: Cyclehoop Ltd - Glasgow Bikehangar Scheme - Secure On-Street Residential Cycle Parking 2020: City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme 2019: Aberdeenshire Council, Integrated Travel Town Masterplan Project Approach

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Contribution to Sustainable Transport

Sponsored by

Demonstration that an organisation has implemented policies to reduce its impact on the environment, supported by clear results. Projects could include the use of alternative vehicle fuels and technologies or freight practices which have resulted in mileage or emissions reductions.

WINNER

WSP AND HIGHLAND SPRING GROUP Blackford Rail Freight Facility As one of the leading UK producers of natural source water, Highland Spring Group (HSG) bottles around 450 million litres of water every year from its headquarters in Blackford, Perthshire. HSG commissioned WSP to lead the design and construction management of its new Blackford Rail Freight Facility next to its main factory.

HSG’s water is bottled in Blackford and distributed across the UK (75% England/25% Scotland). To keep up with growing demand, it introduced two new production lines at its site in 2016-17. With sustainability at its heart, HSG is committed to being Net Zero by 2040.

Recognising the role of logistics in achieving this aim, it invested in a rail freight facility to sustainably move containerised goods to warehousing in Daventry using rail (with just the ‘final mile’ journey done by lorry) A decade in development, this bimodal project is part of HSG’s long-term strategy to invest in and develop innovative

solutions to provide healthy hydration in an environmentally sustainable way.

Constructed between 2019 and 2022, the private facility features two rail sidings and two shunt necks to enable flexible operation. It currently handles one consignment per day (i.e. 22 containers), with plans to take an additional consignment per day and also store around 100 containers. For HSG, this will have the effect of reducing lorry journeys into and out of the plant by around 40% - with the potential for further reductions baked into the design.

To avoid disrupting the adjacent mainline it interfaces with, Network Rail installed a sitespecific rail connection, carefully designed to mitigate the impact on the nearby level crossing. The connection has been futureproofed to accommodate hybrid trains in line with the electrification of the mainline (between Perth and Stirling). A road junction has also been installed opposite the main production site enabling easy vehicular access. An electric rubber-tyred gantry crane has been installed to minimise noise pollution as it transfers containers from rail wagon to storage to road shunter. Opened

by Nicola Sturgeon in August 2022, it was the first dedicated rail freight facility to open in Scotland in over a decade. The site has been operational since January 2023.

With each train capable of carrying 22 containers, and two return journeys a day planned, the initial sustainability benefits represent a 40% reduction in lorry journeys.

For residents this means around 8,000 fewer annual lorry journeys in and out of their small village, improved air quality, less congestion and safer roads/ In terms of sheer CO2 emissions, the facility represents an annual reduction in

carbon of around 3,200 tonnes - based on rail freight using approximately 76% less CO2 than road freight. Beyond the operational benefits, sustainability has been driven into its design and construction.

The site was designed to minimise noise and visual impact on the community, with a fully electric rubber tyre gantry crane installed with complex acoustic modelling and mitigations implemented. The use of 1,358 serviceable concrete railway sleepers mitigated the production of 180 cubic metres of concrete. Over 2,000 trees and a wildflower meadow have been planted.

The collaborative nature in which it was delivered sets this project apart from others. Private and public organisations comprising HSG, Network Rail, Transport Scotland, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Perth & Kinross Council, JG Russell (freight operator); WSP and multiple design and planning consultancies - worked towards shared sustainability goals and net zero aims.

Dubbed by Network Rail as the ‘Spirit of Blackford’ the project has shown what can be achieved when perceived barriers are broken down and trusted relationships are formed. Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway noted at the opening day, that the project is “an excellent example of the public and private sectors working closely with the government to fight climate change head-on”.

Other shortlisted entries: Aberdeenshire Council: Targeted Travel Behaviour Change Project Stagecoach: Inverness Electric City - The UKs first fully-electric city bus network First Bus Scotland: Caledonia B2B Electric Charging Hub Glasgow City Council: Glasgow City Centre Transport Plan (CCTP) Edinburgh Trams Limited: Environmental Management System Glasgow City Council: GCC &TIER/ NEXTBIKE Mass Automated Cycle Hire scheme

Previous winners: 2022: First Glasgow - Electrification of the UK’s biggest bus depot 2020: BOC - BOC’s Kittybrewster Hydrogen Refuelling Station 2019: Dundee City Council, Dundee EV Infrastructure Project 2018: Alexander Dennis Limited - ADL SmartPack and SmartHybrid technology for efficient Low Emission Buses 2017: First Bus – A More Sustainable Future 2016: Strathclyde Partnership for Transport - Ground Water and Air Heat Source System on the Subway

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Excellence in Technology and Innovation An entry in this category should document how you have employed new technology or a new way of working to bring about great results. Please note that if your project is very recent, we appreciate that results may be limited.

WINNER

LOTHIAN BUSES LB Roads Last year, Lothian, the UK’s largest municipal bus company, began developing a web-based database system for tracking roadworks and events across the bus network. Previously, a spreadsheet was used to show all active roadworks, which was difficult to maintain given the increasing amount of active roadworks occurring across the network. ‘LB Roads’ was born in collaboration with Lothian’s commercial and information infrastructure teams providing driving colleagues with a quick way of accessing information that may affect them while they are out on service.

As the project began to develop further, an interactive map of Edinburgh and the Lothians was incorporated into the system, and users had the option to view all current and planned diversions at a glance, giving them invaluable information. Users can also upload photographs and documents to each diversion, giving extra visual context to the roadworks. Each entry contains information on which specific routes are affected, and the planned duration of the roadworks or diversions. LB Roads was then incorporated into Lothian’s operations hub. On this

platform, drivers can access digitised forms and procedures and traffic information such as roadworks, diversions and closures.

The system is maintained by Lothian’s information infrastructure team, ensuring drivers have as much relevant information as possible. The map view also provides the option to filter roadworks by route and show any relevant diversions as they would appear on the route. This allows drivers to provide information for customers where required, enhancing not only the driver’s experience on the roads but the customers’ too on Lothian services.

The system has undergone numerous enhancements, enabling drivers to report issues more efficiently. Additionally, shortterm disruptive incidents on Lothian's network are promptly updated on the site to keep colleagues informed. The map now includes the locations of public toilets and restrooms for the convenience of staff during their service. Users can filter their search by route numbers to view the route line on the map, making it easier to identify specific locations along the route.

In less than two years, the project has achieved significant milestones, including the addition of over 2,300 work entries, 5,500 colleague comments, and nearly 6,000 files and photos. These contributions have provided valuable travel information to Lothian's drivers and facilitated engagement with stakeholders. The system's filtering and search capabilities have allowed Lothian to address coordination issues with local authorities, ensuring awareness of conflicting works across boundaries. It also helps identify works that may cause significant delays in multiple locations.

Furthermore, the system enables tracking of delayed or postponed works, allowing Lothian to provide feedback to local authorities on the unforeseen impact of works on bus services.

The addition of hazards such as lowhanging tree branches, potholes and low bridges, accompanied by pictures to illustrate the potential danger for drivers while in service, has enhanced driver knowledge, allowing for a greater customer experience on buses for the public. Users can toggle hazards and planned diversions on and off to view current issues or get an overview of the region’s transport network.

They can also search for results specific to their designated garage, displaying only works that impact services from their own home depot.

The system has also benefited Lothian’s customer service team, who can access LB Roads to help answer any customer queries or complaints about Lothian’s numerous services. The team can give customers information about works that may serve as mitigating circumstances to answer a customer’s complaint, especially if the works impact the service in a different area from the customer’s location.

Commended: The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS): Request to Stop

Other shortlisted entries: Siemens Mobility Limited: Inverness Airport Railway Station Clearview Intelligence Ltd: TMU2 ScotRail: CCTV Analytics & Digital Sharing Programme Network Rail: Earthworks Failure Detection Scheme Edinburgh Trams Limited: Tram Simulator Travis Perkins Plc: Travis Perkins Scotland - Automation of safety and compliance reporting for a safer Scotland

Previous winners: 2022: AGS Airports Ltd - Project CAELUS 2020: Amey (with Transport Scotland, Strathclyde University and Highland Galvanizers) - Re- Galvanising VRS 2019: Liftshare, Solving commuter problems with data 2018: Network Rail - Automatic Full Barrier Locally Monitored Level Crossing 2017: The Improvement Service - The National Entitlement Card Migration Project 2016: Clearview Intelligence Ltd, Transport Scotland and BEAR (Scotland) - Installation of Innovative Intelligent Road Studs Scheme to Reduce Inadvertent Lane Transgression on the A720 Sheriffhall Roundabout

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Transport Team/Partnership of the Year Sponsored by

An entry in this category should document how you have employed new technology or a new way of working to bring about great results. Please note that if your project is very recent, we appreciate that results may be limited.

WINNER

TRANSPORT SCOTLAND The Death of Her Majesty the Queen, the funeral cortege from Balmoral to Edinburgh Transport Scotland coordinated the movement of Queen Elizabeth’s coffin from Balmoral Castle to The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh after her death in September 2022. The plan was created in partnership with Police Scotland, BEAR Scotland, Amey, Balfour Beatty, Traffic Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council, Angus Council, Perth & Kinross Council, Dundee City Council, Fife Council, and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Working in partnership the team delivered a professional and respectful movement of the late monarch’s coffin.

The passing of the Queen was considered a no-notice event the scale of which had never been seen before in the United Kingdom. Partners had put in place plans relating to the movement of the Queen’s coffin from Balmoral to Edinburgh and while these plans were well defined it was identified in early 2022 that there was a lack of coordination and consistency.

A major challenge for all partners was the lack of preparatory time to put in place

agreed measures and structures with most partners having less than 48 hours to deliver after activation. The common theme was to ensure that the coffin travelled from Balmoral to Edinburgh in a safe, secure and respectful manner, whilst at the same time providing the maximum viewing opportunities for mourners.

The overall journey covered 175 miles via major travel corridors and took six hours to complete. Due to the nature of the cortege and the associated security footprint, Transport Scotland was aware that there was the potential for significant disruption.

It therefore established a Cortege Working Group to ensure there was a consistent look and feel to the entire movement, whilst ensuring the safety and security of all of those involved.

Working with partners a planning assumptions document was collated which formed the basis for a single coordinated plan. Transport Scotland contracted Jacobs to conduct a Travel Demand Management programme to model the impact of the event on the transport networks. Key findings from this modelling went on to influence partners’ responses. All came together at various locations including the Multi Agency Coordination Centre and the Transport Scotland Resilience Room to ensure there was a collaborative approach.

Working together, Transport Scotland delivered an event which was respectful and demonstrated its ability to stage and deliver an event of this stature with very little notification. The funeral cortege was broadcast live and it was safe to say the eyes of the world were on Scotland. In excess of 280,000 people lined the route to pay their respects.

The Multi Agency Coordination Centre and the Transport Scotland Resilience Room

worked seamlessly to address any issues ensuring that the cortege ran unimpeded and disruption was minimised. Multi-agency partners worked at pace to manage traffic, strengthen public transport capacity, respond to incidents, communicate travel demand messages and keep Ministers informed with real-time situation reports.

The transport network operated well with no significant issues. Predominantly baseline traffic flows were maintained across most routes during the event. Data analytics did identify increased cross-border traffic flows and strategic routes approaching Edinburgh at times, however, due to the planning carried out between partners this did not lead to any significant disruption.

It should also be noted that two days after the cortege movement a similar operation was successful in transporting the late monarch to Edinburgh Airport.

This operation followed the structures and procedures set out by the cortege working group and was commented on by senior officials. Despite being presented with a unique set of challenges, particularly around timescales, Transport Scotland and delivery partners built on the experience of planning for other large-scale events to successfully plan and deliver a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Other shortlisted entries: BEAR Scotland: A83 Rest and be Thankful Traffic Management Siemens Mobility Limited: SCP –Signalling Collaborative Partnership between Siemens Mobility and Network Rail.

AGS Airports & Aberdeen International Airport: Airport, Kayleigh’s Wee Stars and WeToo! Strathclyde Partnership for Transport: How Partnership Working Saved 101/102 Bus Service Lothian Buses: Lothian Buses - Partnership with Change Mental Health Turner & Townsend: Trams to Newhaven

Previous winners: 2022: Transport Scotland - Delivering the Transport Plan for COP26 2020: Amey (with Transport Scotland, Strathclyde University and Highland Galvanizers) - Re- Galvanising VRS 2019: Liftshare, Solving commuter problems with data 2018: Network Rail - Automatic Full Barrier Locally Monitored Level Crossing 2017: The Improvement Service - The National Entitlement Card Migration Project 2016: Clearview Intelligence Ltd, Transport Scotland and BEAR (Scotland) - Installation of Innovative Intelligent Road Studs Scheme to Reduce Inadvertent Lane Transgression on the A720 Sheriffhall Roundabout

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Excellence in Travel Information & Marketing

This category covers all areas of transport marketing including information and promotional work. Clear evidence to show the approach chosen has brought about results, e.g. patronage increases, modal shift or greater awareness of a particular service or facility.

WINNER

STRATHCLYDE PARTNERSHIP FOR TRANSPORT Delivering a Step-Change in Bus Passenger Information and Standards Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s ‘Transport Data Project’ comprises revisions to its region-wide Bus Information Standards and roll-out of SPT’s Regional RTPI project.

It is widely accepted that good quality, accurate up-to-date travel information is essential when it comes to promoting public transport as an attractive mode choice, encouraging greater public transport use as a more sustainable travel choice and realising modal shift from the private car. Reliable public transport information makes it easier for users to plan journeys, keeps people informed, and with real-time passenger information (RTPI), this gives confidence and certainty that their service is operating. It also gives people unfamiliar with the area confidence to get around.

SPT’s Bus Information Standards sets the framework for roadside bus stop information provision for over 560 registered local services, delivered by 44 operators.

There are around 11,500 bus stops and 14,000 bus information display cabinets across the SPT region. It is estimated that there are over 40,000 changes to bus service information held in these cabinets in a typical year.

In 2021, SPT conducted a comprehensive review of its bus information standards, which had last been updated in 2014.

The primary objective of the review was to eliminate confusing and inconsistent information and introduce standardised region-wide guidelines for displaying accurate, consistent, and user-friendly bus stop information. SPT receives Real-Time Passenger Information (RTPI) data from the four main bus operators in Strathclyde, which is then disseminated to the public through electronic displays at bus stops and online platforms like Traveline Scotland, as well as at major bus stations.

Furthermore, RTPI systems can facilitate Traffic Light Priority (TLP) - giving buses priority at junctions to improve speeds and journey time reliability. Since 2021, SPT has progressed the rollout of RTPI. Building on earlier deployments, additional displays were installed in Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, South Ayrshire and Glasgow. Displays were introduced in Inverclyde and old signs were replaced with larger ones in Glasgow and East Renfrewshire. Improvements also include the installation of 61 new displays at Buchanan Bus Station, removing obsolete ones and upgrading of displays at Greenock Bus Station.

In Glasgow alone, an impressive number

of approximately 40,000 TLP requests per day are submitted, leading to around 6,000 granted requests. This results in the extension of the green phase for buses at traffic lights, enhancing their overall efficiency.

By April 2023, the RTPI system encompassed over 800 electronic displays strategically located at key bus locations throughout the SPT area.

SPT's implementation of new Bus Information Standards has involved the adoption of an in-house software system for producing bus stop information.

Additionally, the Glasgow Bus Alliance (GBA) members have agreed to roll out updated publicity materials in line with the new common standards. The project commenced in October 2022 and has successfully brought about a consolidated style of roadside information. GBA members have provided funding for the SPT-managed project, with a distribution company responsible for printing and posting the materials. Phase 1 of the initiative resulted in the deployment of nearly 13,000 updated information panels at over 9,400 bus stops.

Phase 2 includes approximately 360 multioperator cases at 260 stops in Renfrewshire and 80 multi-operator panels at 40 stops in Inverclyde. This innovative approach saves operators the effort of visiting each bus stop to replace panel information, thus reducing costs and emissions. The information panels themselves are of high quality and feature QR codes linking to websites and Traveline Scotland for additional convenience and accessibility.

Commended: Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd: Young Persons Campaign

Other shortlisted entries: First Bus: Modal Shift Campaign Scottish Government: Drive Like Gran’s (Still) in the Car Scottish Government: How the Scottish Government reminded people to belt-up Edinburgh Trams Limited: ET App & the Family Day Tripper

Previous winners: 2022: Sustrans Scotland - #andshecycles 2020: Edinburgh Trams & Scottish Rugby, Successful Partnership Campaign 2019: Edinburgh Trams, Airport Marketing Project 2018: CalMac Ferries - Passenger Safety Video 2017: Midlothian Council - Out and About Midlothian 2016: Transport Scotland – Keep Scotland Moving

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Frontline Employee of the Year

Sponsored by

We’re looking for nominations for this award for a frontline member of staff (for example, school crossing patrols, bus drivers, highways inspectors, receptionists) who has gone beyond the call of duty in their role and delivered a better service as a result. The nominee will have demonstrated a real commitment to their service and your nomination will need to outline briefly (500 words maximum) what they have done to deserve this award, supported with statistical or anecdotal evidence. Supporting letters are useful in this category.

on our buses while sharing information and inspiration with those who may not use the bus as part of their everyday routine yet.

Always with a smile, she chats and listens to feedback about experiences from everyone, really caring and taking note of comments from all - helping where she can, with a smile and lots of laughs on the way. Lindsey inspires, leads and motivates a team who supports the positive engagement work of the #lovemybus programme - and love to work with her! Her passion, care and commitment to encouraging and supporting people to be active, access opportunities and improve our appreciation of buses

WINNER

LINDSEY REID

comes across throughout her work and the engagement team she leads.

Lindsey is committed to supporting #lovemybus to reach every part of Scotland - from Stranraer to Stornoway, Elgin to Dumfries - and help ensure every young person under 22 can access the free bus travel they are entitled to. She has led or participated in more than 70 events in less than a year, actively engaging with over 10,000 people with a chat, a smile, sharing information, a sweetie, a sticker, a biscuit for their dog - or a thank you for driving or choosing the bus. And the commitment continues behind the scenes, just a friendly call away to support schools, campuses, community groups, volunteers and so many more - with hundreds of mailouts to share resources, information and support for their own actions to support modal shift to bus.

As one of the stars within the #lovemybus team, Lindsey is building connections and sharing positivity for buses across the country, and the world.

Transform Scotland Commended: Glenn Taylor, McGills Craig Ross, Stagecoach East Brian Stewart, Stagecoach West Jack Austin, Stagecoach West Hugh McLelland, Stagecoach West Lorna Jones, Stagecoach West

Lindsey Reid leads #lovemybus engagement at public events, in workplaces, on campuses as part of our youth programme and in community spaces, whether on buses or in bus stations in visits to day care centres or supermarkets. Lindsey and the team take time to thank the people who use and work

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Most Innovative Transport Project of the Year Sponsored by

Projects entered into this category need to demonstrate good results- it could be a project that is the first of its kind or a project that has been done before but has been approached differently.

WINNER

THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS TRANSPORT PARTNERSHIP (HITRANS) Go-Hi MaaS Pilot Project Go-Hi is the UK’s largest Mobility as a Service pilot project to date, launched by the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) to improve accessibility to transport services for residents and visitors in the Highlands and Islands.

Go-Hi is funded by the EU North Sea Region Stronger Combined project and the Scottish Government’s MaaS Investment Fund. It integrates multiple transport options into a single platform, offering journey planning, in-app ticketing, and hassle-free payments. Users can plan, book, and pay for multimodal journeys with buses, trains, ferries, taxis, bikes, flights, and hotels. Go-Hi has partnerships with leading travel and transport providers including Enterprise Car Club, Brompton Bike Hire, Stagecoach Bus, and ScotRail.

Go-Hi promotes a modal shift to sustainable travel options like cycling, walking, public transport, and car clubs.

It aims to reduce isolation and improve access to healthier lifestyles in the region by providing alternative travel choices and active travel opportunities.

The project supports the delivery of Transport Scotland’s National Transport Strategy, which recognises the importance of embracing new technologies that are beneficial to society. The technology is helping Scotland to become an international leader in Smart Mobility by supporting digital innovation within Scotland and offering good practice in the application of MaaS for other similar regions.

In addition to the app, the Go Hi programme has introduced public e-bike share, Scotland’s first micromobility intervention with Brompton Folding Bike docks, mobility hubs, car club vehicles and Scotland’s first Connected Automated Vehicle passenger service.

The Go-Hi project has made a significant contribution to improving accessibility to multiple transport services in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands. It’s the UK’s largest

MaaS deployment to date, covering a huge region that also includes multiple cities and towns. There have been 1,560 downloads of the app so far, with plans to launch Scotland’s first mobility credits scheme this year in conjunction with leading mobility charity, Motability. The scheme will provide funded access to mobility for individuals qualifying for Motability support but who may not be able to use a self-driven vehicle.

This will introduce 200 new users to Go-Hi making it easy for this group of disabled people to access alternative modes of travel to the private car.

Go-Hi is also being used by The Highland Council to provide alternative mobility options to their employees for commuting and business travel, simplifying current processes and reducing administrative burdens relating to travel. A test group of 50 users were introduced to Go-Hi for business travel booking in February 2023 with a successful trial allowing the opportunity to roll this out further across council staff.

Go-Hi is the UK’s first MaaS platform to offer ferry ticket sales, achieved in partnership with NorthLink Ferries. It’s also the first MaaS platform to integrate ticketing products for Stagecoach bus services.

Additional outcomes and future initiatives include: • Inverness’s first public eBike dock system with over 1,700 registered users.

• Ehubs and extended EV car clubs, plus 11 new traditional car clubs delivering over 150,000 car club miles from August 2021 to December 2022.

• A new Moove Flexi DRT service offering digital booking of on-demand bus services in spring 2023.

• Upcoming integration with Scottish

Citylink’s coach network.

• Being shortlisted for two MaaS awards

by Transport Ticketing Global and CiTTi Magazine.

• A new marketing campaign to encourage a significant increase in Go-Hi usage by new users.

Other shortlisted entries: BEAR Scotland: A83 Rest and be Thankful Traffic Management Lothian Buses: Lothian Buses - Risk Factory Bus Glasgow City Council: Ultra Smart Cycle System (USCS) Stagecoach: Scottish Association for Mental Health - Wellbeing on Wheels Phase 2 Transform Scotland: Love My Bus Transport Scotland: Innovative PRIME road markings for motorcycle casualty Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd: Bikes on Buses Project

Previous winners: 2022: Sustrans Scotland - Minecraft St Philomena’s Primary School 2020: BEAR Scotland, Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland – A83 Rest and Be Thankful Catch-Pits and Glen Kinglas Rock Bunds 2019: Jacobs, Transport Scotland, Scotland TranServ & Sibbald - VR Site Safety 2018: Amey - Re-Galvanising Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) 2017: Network Rail Infrastructure Projects for the ScotRail Alliance: Glasgow Queen Street Tunnel, Slab Track Renewal 2016: The ScotRail Alliance - Borders Railway - Phenomenal Demand and Growing the Economy

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Rail Supplier of the Year

Suppliers of equipment and services to the rail industries are eligible to enter this category. Entrants should demonstrate the benefits accrued from the use of these products and services e.g., increased efficiencies, better integration, improved reliability, decreased crime levels etc.

It may be that they have innovatively applied existing products and services or introduced a new product or service that has traditionally been used outside the rail and road sectors.

WINNER

STORY CONTRACTING Story Contracting, a key partner of Network Rail, delivers civil engineering projects on time and within budget while giving back to communities. With its motto "Do it Right," Story aims to create integrated and stronger communities through a social value strategy aligned with Network Rail's goals.

Story launched a social value strategy to create integrated and strong communities across the railway network in partnership with Network Rail. The strategy involves collaboration with clients, local authorities, education providers, and community organisations to deliver long-term initiatives across Scotland. It is championed by the Communications and Engagement Team and focuses on six key pillars: inspiring future generations, employability, developing people, workplace diversity and inclusion, Covid-19 recovery, and charitable partnerships.

Story is committed to inspiring and

developing young talent in the rail industry through its Early Careers Programme. This scheme combines hands-on experience with education to train and nurture the next generation. Story is also a member of the 5% Club and supports the Young Person's Guarantee. Additionally, it collaborates with schools nationwide to provide career coaching, industry taster days, and work experience placements.

Story is committed to employing, training, and developing local people, working with existing providers of employability.

As part of its strategy to ensure that the employment opportunities it offers are available to all, it signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme and the Armed Forces Covenant, and works with organisations who support ex-offenders such as APEX Scotland to create long-term employment opportunities.

Story encourages its employees to use their two-day volunteering leave to support local community organisations and engage in activities that benefit the areas where they work. The company also partners with charities, including SAMH, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, and Simon Community, for fundraising efforts.

Collaboration with Network Rail is integral to Story's success, ensuring a considerate and cooperative approach. This extends to engaging with impacted communities and implementing measures to minimise disruptions. For example, during bridge renewal work in Glasgow city centre, adjustments were made to avoid overnight work during the week. As a result, the project received a low rate of enquiries, complaints, and issues, standing at only

0.74% over the first six months.

During the Ravenscraig WCML Crossing project, the team provided significant community benefits for young people in North Lanarkshire. This included site visits, careers workshops, and industry taster days for school leavers in partnership with Route to Work and MCR Pathways. Additionally, there were work experience placements in collaboration with Developing the Young Workforce, New College Lanarkshire, Enable, and the University of Strathclyde.

The project also resulted in the employment of six apprentices in engineering and quantity surveyor roles.

Story is a key partner in delivering Network Rail’s accessibility schemes, which are vital to open up the railway for all passengers. This also includes working with Network Rail to further the community investment in such public-facing projects by identifying opportunities to provide meaningful support to neighbouring organisations. Activities have included donating and replanting small trees removed from the platform gardens, using recycled construction materials, including low-carbon concrete, holding STEM sessions nearby schools, donating repurposed shelters, and renovating community hubs.

In addition to project-led community initiatives, Story has been able to create positive impacts with a number of organisations. Examples include supporting those experiencing homelessness via Simon Community with initiatives such as one hundred hours of volunteering to improve accommodation service gardens, helping out in their donation warehouse, and donating warm pyjamas and hot food vouchers during harsh winter months. Story Contracting is also dedicated to working with the wider railway family to leave a positive legacy in communities across Scotland, teaming up with other framework contractors such as QTS, BAM and AMCO.

Commended: AmcoGiffen: Anderston Tunnel Blockade

Other shortlisted entries: BAM Nuttall: BAM Rail Scotland Rail Systems Alliance Scotland: Arcadis and Babcock Rail Siemens

Previous winners: 2022: Rail Systems Alliance Scotland – RSAS – Alliancing Delivering Results 2020: BAM Nuttall – Rail Division 2019: Morgan Sindall, Kerse Road Bridge, Stirling

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Public Transport Operator of the Year Open to rail, bus, taxi and river/sea passenger service operators. Entries should outline the range of initiatives that the operator has been involved in to improve services and facilities together with results that have been achieved.

WINNER

EDINBURGH TRAMS Edinburgh Trams offers a safe, reliable and customer-focused service for residents and visitors. It operates more than 2,000 journeys per week and currently runs every seven minutes between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre - and now onwards through Leith to Newhaven.

The company focuses on workforce development and innovative solutions to promote tram usage for work and leisure.

Their proactive efforts in building a motivated workforce led up to the recent launch of services to Newhaven.

Recruitment efforts were increased in early 2022 for the expansion. The 'Glide to the Future' campaign used a striking tram wrap and extensive local media ads.

Investment in advanced training facilities, including a purpose-built simulator and hazard perception tools, supported the campaign and aligned with the company's

diversity strategy.

The mission was to deliver 'Excellence for Edinburgh' and create an inclusive work environment.

New recruit training is assessed for its impact on customer satisfaction and alignment with the mission and values.

Customer service staff receive learnercentred training to enhance the customer experience. This approach was vital for the network's post-Covid recovery and complemented initiatives to rebuild patronage. The organisation's flexibility and rapid response to customer needs have been crucial, leading to more people choosing to travel by tram.

Edinburgh Trams' recruitment strategy brings cost savings and excellent passenger feedback. The purpose-built simulator and hazard perception tools saved £68,400 by reducing costs per candidate. Meanwhile, data from its customer interaction tracking system showed 70% of respondents were 'extremely satisfied' with service and reliability. Mystery shopper results indicated approachable and skilled on-board hosts.

Over two-thirds of passengers were 'very satisfied' with their first impression, and almost all were happy with how they were treated. Around half agreed that hosts went beyond the basics and were seen as 'Ambassadors for Edinburgh'.

This approach has led to a significant

increase in tram usage during events like festivals, rugby internationals, and concerts.

In August, average passenger numbers rose by 18.9% to 116,189, and during Six Nations and Autumn International rugby matches, the tram saw an average of 30,471 passengers.

Looking to the future, quality career progression and professional development programmes are enabling Edinburgh Trams to develop a skilled and hardworking team, and over 50% of existing employees have already enjoyed internal promotion.

Commended: McGill's

Other shortlisted entries: First Bus Scotland Lothian Buses Strathclyde Partnership for Transport Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd

Previous winners: 2022: McGill’s Bus Group 2020: Stagecoach East Scotland 2019: Stagecoach East Scotland 2018: Lothian Buses 2017: Virgin Trains 2016: Lothian Buses

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Excellence in Transport Accessibility

An entry in this category covers projects or initiatives that can demonstrate improved access to travel or the travel experience for disabled people. Entries should highlight innovation, the extent to which the proposer has sought to build upon learning through engagement with disabled people, positive team or partnership collaboration, and the extent to which they benefit disabled people who are in hard-to-reach groups.

WINNER

LOTHIAN BUSES Lothian has a dedicated Accessibility and Inclusion function, spearheaded by their Accessibility and Inclusion Officer who has formed invaluable relationships with local and national charities and organisations in order to help the business provide an accessible network to the best of its ability.

In 2022, Lothian partnered with the Royal National Institute of Blind People for a 'Swap with Me' event, where a group of blind and partially sighted volunteers visited Lothian’s Training School to assist with the trainees’ Customer Assistance learning. Trainee drivers had blind and partially sighted volunteers assist with Customer Assistance

training. The event included practical learning and a classroom discussion. Both sides shared experiences and feedback to enhance the customer experience.

Following on from this part of the event, a bus was provided by Lothian’s engineering department so both teams could ‘swap’ for a period of time and experience the act of boarding a bus from the opposite perspective. Lothian’s trainees were given ‘Sim Specs’, which replicate visual challenges posed by a variety of eye conditions. Members of the RNIB took their positions in the driver’s cab and welcomed the trainees onto the bus, asking them their destination and encouraging them to find a seat on the stationary bus. Trainees were challenged to board the bus, interact with the driver, scan their bus passes and find a seat in an environment that would not be dissimilar to that of a bus in service. Other trainees and representatives of the RNIB replicated background noise and potential obstacles to make the entire exercise as realistic as possible.

The experience was invaluable for Lothian’s trainee drivers, and the inclusion of members of the RNIB added to the authenticity of the challenge. The trainees were quick to comment on the importance of the role of bus drivers when blind and partially-sighted

people attempt to board the bus safely.

A common remark was the importance of the distance between the door and the kerb and the height of the step to the door. Also discussed were the benefits of drivers utilising the accessibility features on Lothian’s vehicles and lowering the floor for customers when boarding and alighting.

Members of the RNIB shared their preferences when it came to their initial communication with the driver - namely the importance that the driver provides them with all the relevant information required for any blind or partially-sighted customers.

This included informing the individual which route number the bus was currently on and asking which number the customer was waiting on, to inform of any potential diversion information that may affect them.

The blind or partially-sighted members also gained an invaluable lesson of what Lothian drivers actually experience when on service.

They described a greater appreciation of the challenges drivers face in their cabs, such as being responsible for everyone aboard the bus, ensuring the safety of customers and other road users, as well as keep in mind that blind and partially sighted individuals may need to be prompted when they have arrived at their intended stop Going forward, due to its success the ‘Swap with Me’ events will now be a permanent fixture for Lothian’s Training School with visits from the RNIB scheduled as part of the training for new drivers.

Lothian hopes to expand the model to engage with other user groups in the future too. Lothian hopes the event and others like it will encourage confidence in bus use among disabled customers and enhance trainees’ learning experience at the company.

Other shortlisted entries: Story Contracting: Croy & Johnstone Station Access for All Schemes AGS Airports & Aberdeen International Airport Strathclyde Partnership for Transport: Keeping Communities Connected Paths for All: Climate Action Strathaven

Previous winners: 2022: Lothian Buses – Lothian Accessibility 2020: Inverness Airport 2019: Glasgow Airport Ltd - Ensuring Every Passenger Enjoys Their Journey 2018: Neatebox Ltd, Scotland Transerv, and Transport Scotland - Neatebox Button App to improve road safety for disabled pedestrians in Largs 2017: Transport Scotland - Scotland Accessible Travel Framework 2016: Scottish Borders Community Transport Services

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Excellence in Transport Design

Designs being entered into this category should demonstrate good results. There should be evidence the design has potential for flexibility in the future and be environmentally and economically sustainable. Excellence should be demonstrated in innovation, invention, and originality - it could be a design that is the first of its kind in the country and shows that it adds value and stands out above the rest.

WINNER

SCOTRAIL Highland Explorer: Unlocking active travel on the West Highland Line ScotRail aims to put customers at the heart of everything it does, and for its projects to embody that spirit to ensure it provides a better service, environment, and overall experience. This includes its Highland Explorer service on the West Highland Line, which launched in July 2021 between Glasgow and Oban.

The carriages, a first of their kind on the UK rail network, provide dedicated storage space for 20 cycles and outdoor sports equipment. With their introduction, ScotRail is opening some of Scotland’s most beautiful

areas to tourists, cycling fans, outdoor pursuits enthusiasts and local commuters.

Although the project is as a pilot and the carriages will not be in service forever, they will inform future rolling stock choices for the route and across the country and are a welcome boost to the tourism-dependent area in its post-Covid recovery.

A total of five carriages were refurbished from class 153, which would otherwise be at the end of life. Working with Transport Scotland, ScotRail engaged extensively with local and national stakeholders to redesign the carriages. The resulting user-focused design was unanimously praised.

Each carriage can accommodate up to 20 cycles and large sports gear. The redesigned carriage can store ordinary bikes, but also a limited number of tandem and oversize cycles to ensure inclusivity. A full interior and exterior refresh to carriages, including the installation of free Wi-Fi, at-seat power points and USB sockets, and a refurbished toilet. Additionally, the feature of an e-bike charging socket was a further ‘want’ of the stakeholder engagement for a cyclist who needs a bit more power and makes the trains unique in the UK. The detail of the design presented several complex engineering challenges.

ScotRail took a collaborative approach with

Network Rail to ease the introduction of the carriages onto the network through vehicle modifications rather than infrastructure modification. These carriages bring more people to the country’s rural communities, encouraging travel throughout Scotland and supporting local businesses.

The West Highland Line was selected for the launch due to its accessibility and popularity with the Highland Explorer experiencing a rise in cycle bookings during the summer, followed by a projected decline in the autumn and winter. However, as the first year progressed and weather conditions became more favourable, bookings notably increased. The introduction of the Highland Explorer received positive feedback from the public, with ScotRail receiving 1,716 messages on social media since the announcement.

Other shortlisted entries: ScotRail: Aberdeen Station Redevelopment AGS Airports: Aberdeen International Airport Stantec: Active Communities: Aviemore

Previous winners: 2022: Scotland’s Railway - Glasgow Queen Street station redevelopment

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Outstanding Contribution to Transport This prestigious award honours those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication in improving Scotland's transport infrastructure, services, and sustainability.

WINNER

VALERIE DAVIDSON Strathclyde Partnership for Transport Valerie Davidson was appointed as Chief Executive of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport in December 2021, taking up the post with immediate effect.

Valerie had been SPT Assistant Chief Executive since 2006, with a wide range of responsibilities including as Chief Finance Officer and Partnership Secretary. She provided overall leadership of the bus operations subsidised network and MyBus services over 12 local authority areas and les on all corporate functions, including human resources, property, legal and oversaw the digital transformation of SPT. A qualified accountant, Valerie has worked in both public and professional services for 35 years, half of which has been with SPT in its current and previous forms.

Commenting on her appointment back

in 2021, Councillor Dr Martin Bartos, who was then Chair of SPT, said: “Valerie’s leadership skills, knowledge and experience of the transport sector in Scotland as well as of SPT means, she is the ideal choice to lead the organisation as we move forward with ambitious plans for transport in the region.

“Throughout the pandemic, Valerie has been at the forefront of business continuity for SPT working with our many partners and stakeholders to keep transport going at this most challenging time – all while ensuring staff have been kept updated as to how SPT is working to keep them and our

passengers safe.”

Commenting on the decision to recognise Valerie with this year’s Outstanding Contribution to Transport award, Alison Irvine, Interim Chief Executive of Transport Scotland and Chair of of the Scottish Transport Awards judging panel, said: “I have worked with Valerie for a number of years, and particularly over the course of the pandemic, which of course, had a huge impact across transport in Scotland.

“During this time Valerie has provided me with both personal support as well as bringing the resources of SPT to support action.

Alison continued: “There are not many women within senior leadership positions in transport and I have found her support very helpful in my own role.

“She took over SPT at a difficult time and we are already seeing the benefits of her leadership in terms of what SPT delivers each and every day. Which of course this means she is also bringing these benefits to people right across the West of Scotland.

Previous winners: 2019:Neil Gellatly, Dundee City Council 2017:Andrew Burns, City of Edinburgh Council

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Lifetime Contribution to Transport

This award celebrates the exceptional contributions of those who have dedicated their lives to advancing and shaping transport in Scotland with an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and progress.

WINNER

NEIL JOHNSTONE Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation Neil Johnstone has over 40 years of experience in the transport industry and profession having worked in contracting, local government and consultancy.

He studied civil engineering at Edinburgh University and went on the achieve a Masters at Glasgow University while working for Lothian Regional Council.

For 25 years he worked throughout UK for consultancy firm Halcrow/CH2M, becoming Managing Director of its activities in continental Europe where he oversaw work in a range of sectors including transport, energy and water.

Neil represented CIHT on Scotland’s National Transport Strategy (NTS2) Partnership Review Group and Co-chaired the Thematic Working Group on Safety and Resilience. He has supported Transport

Scotland on a number of projects such as the Strategic Transport Project Review (STPR2) and the national modelling and appraisal framework (LATIS).

His career spans a wide range from design work on the Edinburgh City Bypass, road maintenance, traffic management and planning, to an expert witness at the Edinburgh Congestion Charge Inquiry. He has experience in development planning, feasibility studies and appraisal of all modes including rail, road, busways, harbours and ferries. He was closely involved with seminal studies on rural roads in Scotland such as Fitting Roads and prepared traffic forecasts for Skye Bridge.

Announcing Neil as the winner of this year’s Lifetime Contribution to Transport award, Scottish Transport Awards judge

Dr George Hazel said: “He has served the profession and industry well over the course of his career, culminating on being President of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation this last year. His contribution has been, and still is, immense.

In addition, he is a thoroughly nice person.”

Neil was unable to collect the award in person as he was in London as his CIHT presidency comes to an end. However, addressing the event in a pre-recorded video, he commented: “I am touched and honoured to receive this very special award. This has come as a great surprise to me but it makes me very proud. The very name of this award makes me realise that I must be getting on, but I cannot relax while there is still so much to do to decarbonise the transport system in response to the climate emergency ...

I’ve been so lucky to have worked with all modes, from bikes to buses, roads and rail, ferries, airports and harbours. But the one constant has been a series of fantastic colleagues and mentors. There are so much passion and professionalism in our industry, so to be recognised in this way by peers is so, so valued.”

Previous winners: 2020: Robert Andrew, Stagecoach 2019: George Mair, CPT Scotland 2018: Eric Stewart, SPT

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Airport of the Year

An entry in this category would provide evidence of excellence or significant improvement in overall performance or provision of facilities over the past 12 months. KPIs and customer satisfaction results will be particularly relevant as evidence of this.

WINNER

AGS AIRPORTS Glasgow Airport Glasgow is one of the UK’s busiest regional airports and handled 6.5 million passengers in 2022. A total of 20 airlines serve 125 destinations across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and North America. It is owned

by AGS Airports Limited - a partnership between Ferrovial and Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA) established in 2014 to invest in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports.

The Covid-19 pandemic severely impacted the aviation industry, especially regional airports like Glasgow. The year 2021 was expected to be challenging as the industry aimed to recover after travel restrictions were lifted on March 18, 2022. After almost two years of near standstill, restarting aviation posed significant challenges,

particularly in meeting the resources needed to address the high demand that built up during the restrictions.

Recruitment for the peak summer period typically starts nine months in advance to allow for the necessary vetting processes required in secure airport areas. However, due to the unexpected lifting of restrictions without significant advance notice, resource planning, recruitment, and security clearance procedures were delayed across all airports.

Glasgow Airport, which experienced a significant departure of employees during the pandemic, had to quickly adapt to meet the demands of one of its busiest peak periods.

2022 was a remarkable year for Glasgow Airport, despite not being its busiest.

The true success lay in how it navigated the challenges of restarting operations.

Despite facing difficulties, the airport's teams efficiently managed queues, ensuring passengers made their flights - even administrative staff volunteered to support the team in the terminal. Passengers reached their destinations and expressed gratitude for the airport's unwavering commitment to making their travel possible.

Outside of operations, Glasgow continued to deliver on its Sustainability Strategy and set out to demonstrate how the airport would balance the undoubted economic and social benefits of aviation with its

climate change responsibilities. On that they announced plans to build Scotland’s largest airport-based solar farm.

Scotland’s busiest long-haul route, Emirates’ Dubai service at Glasgow, continued to re-grow its passenger base with full load capacities on its daily Boeing 777 service. Such was the strength of demand for this service that Emirates announced at the beginning of January that its flagship Airbus A380 aircraft - the world’s largest commercial passenger jet - would return at the end of March 2023. This is Scotland’s only service to use the Airbus A380 aircraft. Since its inaugural flight in April 2004, the Emirates Dubai service has carried 5.5 million people between Glasgow and Dubai International Airport.

Glasgow also welcomed a number major route announcements by easyJet with further expansion by Jet2 and TUI, both of whom launched two of the airport’s biggestever summer schedules. Glasgow also welcomed Turkish airline Corendon.

The airport’s famous Sanderling Bar, which had been closed for three years during the pandemic, was replaced with the stunning new Bird & Signet bar and kitchen, which doubled the original venue’s size and led to 100 new jobs in the airport.

Glasgow and AGS Group also continued to lead a consortium of 13 organisations to develop, trial and implement what will be the UK’s first national distribution network to use drones to transport essential medicines, blood, organs and other medical supplies throughout Scotland. The CAELUS Project is looking to demonstrate how autonomous drone technology can enhance access to essential medical supplies, particularly in rural parts of Scotland. In 2022, the project secured £10.1m funding from the Future Flight Challenge at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and live flight trials will take place later this year.

Glasgow received a five-star rating from the leading global sustainability organisation Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB).

Other shortlisted entries: Highlands & Islands Airports Limited: Inverness Airport AGS Airports: Aberdeen International Airport

Previous winners: 2022: AGS Airports Ltd - Aberdeen International Airport 2020: Glasgow Airport Ltd 2019: Glasgow Airport Ltd 2018: Edinburgh Airport 2017: Inverness Airport 2016: Glasgow Airport

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We’re beeping delighted From over 150 EVs in operation, with 74 more pulling into Scotland this year. To The World’s First Hydrogen Powered Double Deckers. The UK’s largest Charging Station and an industry leading B2B charging trial.

Oft, let us catch our breath!

First Bus is leading the way in the transport revolution, with our sights firmly set on a zero emission fleet by 2035. And we’re oh-so excited to be a Gold Event Sponsor at this year’s Scottish Transport Awards.

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