Prestigious UK award for First ScotRail

Prestigious UK award for First ScotRail

19 September 2008 

First ScotRail was last night named Passenger Operator of the Year at the “Railway Oscars” – the National Rail Awards.

The UK award was based on achieving high standards, in turn leading to increased levels of customer satisfaction and significant passenger growth, up 20% in the last four years.

The accolade also acknowledged that delays caused by First ScotRail have fallen by 50% compared to a franchise commitment of 2% a year, and that its Public Performance Measure – a combination of punctuality and reliability - recently reached a record single high period for the franchise at 93.8%

The National Rail Awards are described as the industry's biggest and most respected awards scheme and are widely known as the “'Railway Oscars.” The 16-strong judges’ panel was led by John Swift QC, the UK’s first Rail Regulator who served from 1993 to 1998.

Mary Grant, First ScotRail’s managing director, said after the awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, London: “It is a tribute to all in the First ScotRail team in improving performance and delivering customer growth.”

She added: “I am delighted with the result. It is testament to our hard work and commitment to deliver the best rail service we possibly can for Scotland. Our investment in staff, stations and trains will continue to achieve further improvements.”

Helen Jarvis, a station team manager based at Haymarket, Edinburgh, was highly commended in the Oustanding Personal Contribution category.

She literally lives, breathes and sleeps the railways – and has done so for more than 30 years. Even her home is at work - a former station house at Polmont on the main Edinburgh-Glasgow line.

However, Helen retains a high profile in her local community when off duty.

Instantly recognised as “the woman from First ScotRail,” Helen plays an integral part in Linlithgow Burgh Beautiful – by helping transform station platforms into a riot of colour. She also attends many charity events for departments at her local hospital and is an avid supporter of Braveheart, a charity for children who have special needs; the British Heart Foundation, research organisations into cancer and Parkinson’s disease – and Age Concern.

Her commendation also acknowledged that she strives for excellence in her teams at Haymarket, Edinburgh Park, Linlithgow and Polmont stations.

Media inquiries
Iain Wilson, First ScotRail - Tel 0141 335 4565 or email iain.wilson@firstgroup.com