Its joy on the buses as firm wins awards
ATRANSPORT firm is celebrating after scooping two awards at a top industry event.
Bus operator Belle Vue, based at Stockport’s Discovery Park, won the technology and innovation category at the UK Coach Awards.
And there was further delight for the company as maintenance director Kenny Walsh was named engineer of the year.
The awards were presented at a gala dinner held at the Mercure Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester city centre.
The company’s use of special tracking software – which helps to improve driving standards and increase passenger satisfaction while cutting fuel cots – secured it the technology and innovation award.
The system – provided by Traffilog, a firm which specialises in he long-distance transmission of computerised information – uses vehicle sensors to gather information on the way Belle Vue’s coaches and buses are driven.
Belle Vue director Phil Hitchen says studies have shown that monitored drivers tend to moderate their driving style, leading to improved safety and more economical fuel consumption.
He said: “Traffilog provides us with effective data to help achieve optimal driver performance and customer satisfaction.
“We plan to develop this technology and use it for further driver development and fleet management.
“We are thrilled that our efforts to remain at the forefront of passenger safety have been recognised by the industry with this award.”
Engineer of the year Kenny Walsh leads a team of 13 staff who maintain Belle Vue’s fleet of more than 70 vehicles, including executive coaches, yellow school buses, minibuses and vintage buses.
Under his leadership, the team has reduced maintenance costs by a remarkable 35 per cent.
The 61-year-old, who joined Belle Vue in 2001, has also led in-house training programmes, helped to launch company apprenticeships and spearheaded the implementation of the firm’s environmental policy.
Phil Hitchen added: “Kenny is an inspiration and fully deserves this prestigious honour.
“He has vast knowledge, and great leadership and management skills.
“He ensures our fleet is maintained to the highest standards of safety and roadworthiness, and is a tremendous role model to younger staff.”