The focus of this award was very much on the vehicles from the passenger perspective.

The design of buses and coaches has been changing rapidly in recent years, driven by the need to meet new regulations on emissions, noise and accessibility, but also by the need to accommodate new technology and higher standards of facilities demanded by customers.

But the passenger’s viewpoint needs to be paramount, if the industry is to survive and prosper – especially when, for many people, the ‘competition’ comes in the form of ever more sophisticated and well-equipped cars.

Judges considered comfort, facilities and ease of access as well as exterior appeal and mechanical reliability.

The Winners

• Evobus for the Setra 416 GT HD

Highly Commended

• Volvo for the 9700 coach
• Scania with Irizar for the PB
• Plaxton and Mercedes for the Plaxton Cheetah

Who could be nominated?

The chassis manufacturer and/or body builder of any public service vehicle designed for charter or longer distance travel currently available for purchase within the United Kingdom.

… and by whom?

Readers of Coach and Bus Week and other industry experts were asked to nominate vehicles in their fleet which experience has shown to have high levels of passenger appeal and won praise from customers – as well as being reliable and efficient to operate.

Criteria and Entry Requirements

People nominating vehicles were asked to state the reasons for their nomination, which was followed by a judging process in which additional information was taken into account.

The criteria for deciding on the Coach of the Year included:

• Accessibility for passengers
• Passenger comfort
• Passenger facilities
• Interior Noise level
• Visibility
• Fuel efficiency
• Reliability
• Carbon emissions level.