sponsored by

A successful nomination for this Award needs to demonstrate development of an original or novel idea or technological solution that achieves one or more of the following:

• improves the image of the coach
• stimulates interest in, or desire for, coaching products
• improves the efficiency of the industry

This Award will be made for an innovation or technological application which, in the opinion of the judges, most contributes to the improvement of coach travel. Evidence of quantification of the benefits achieved is essential.

The judges awarded two Gold Awards and one Bronze Award in 2014.

Gold Award Winner: megabusGold.com – Stagecoach Group

megabusGold.com provides luxury daytime coach travel as well as overnight sleepercoach services, using a dedicated fleet of 10 purpose-built vehicles. Representing an investment of some £5m, these coaches have leather seats which can be converted into lie-flat beds, ensuring maximum utilisation of the fleet. The judges noted that sleeper coaches are not new, but were impressed by the way in which megabusGold has brought the concept right up to date.

Gold Award Winner: uTrack & The Kings Ferry – Dynamic RTI

uTrack have created an affordable dynamic Real Time Information solution for The Kings Ferry coach passengers on London and North Bristol commuter services.

The traditional approach was prohibitively expensive for Kings Ferry with a regular RTI solution for just 5 vehicles costing more than the entire uTrack solution (RTI & Mobile Apps) for 30+ vehicles.

Another key requirement was to make the solution "Dynamic" where Kings Ferry could update stops, routes and timetables in real-time so Customers always had the latest information in the Mobile Apps. This is something truly unique for the Project as traditional RTI solutions deployed by Local Authorities and Large Transport Groups don’t factor road disruptions, stop closures & Route deviations.

By using data directly from the “Coach Manager” back-office software from Distinctive Systems, uTrack eliminated the need for staff at Kings Ferry to change their day-to-day processes for running the Commuter Services.

The judges praised the scheme as an affordable, private sector solution which offers great potential for expansion.

Bronze Award Winner: Gauntlet Risk Management - Embracing Technology for Operators

Gauntlet are embracing developments in technology and delivering this to operators throughout the country with a range of services. Insurance matters can be handled easily online, as well as by more traditional methods.

The judges noted the way in which the company strives to streamline and speed up critical processes and their interesting plans for the future.

Who can be nominated?

This category is open to industry suppliers, operators and authorities either separately or in conjunction with one another.

… and by whom?

Nominations will be welcomed from all eligible organisations and self-nomination is acceptable.