Issue Date: 6 November 2006

No. 0056

It was confirmed at the UK Bus Awards on 1st November 2006 that Putney Garage is the best bus garage in London. Colin Langford, General Manager, along with three drivers were presented with the winning trophy at the Hilton Hotel.

David Brown, Managing Director of Surface Transport, Transport for London, said “The six nominated garages all did exceptionally well to be short listed against TfL’s stringent criteria. Although the judges did not find it easy to choose a winner and runner-up, the submissions and performance of the top two were outstanding”.

It was said that “Putney’s Driver Quality Monitoring results were impressive and the judges noted the wide variety of operating environments that its work force must tackle. The garage’s induction, training and mentor programmes are clearly effective, as are the customer care seminars and regular newsletters, the latter combining a social function with outlining the team’s performance. The interest shown in the annual safe driving awards event – a highlight of the year - show how staff take pride in their work: there is a culture of excellence”.

Colin Langford said “I am proud to accept the London Bus Garage of the Year Award on behalf of nearly 400 employees from all departments within the garage, who have worked extremely hard together to make this achievement possible – Well done to you all”.

The award also came with a £5,000 cheque that will be presented to the garage at a later date, this will be spent on improving facilities for all staff at Putney.

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

Putney Garage, based in Chelverton Road, operates routes 14, 22, 39, 74, 85, 424, 430 and 485.

From over 80 garages operating TfL contracts, Putney was one of 6 short listed for this prestigious award.