First ScotRail named Scottish Public Transport Operator of the Year 2007

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First ScotRail named Scottish Public Transport Operator of the Year 2007 and gains two top employee awards

First ScotRail has been named Scottish Public Transport Operator of the Year. And one of its employees was named Transport Employee of the Year. The Operator accolade at the prestigious Scottish Transport Awards recognised dramatic improvements in punctuality and reliability of trains and high levels of customer satisfaction, including value for money. First ScotRail recorded the best performance and reliability figures since 1999 - at 93.2 per cent between July and August this year. It is also carrying record numbers of passengers - the best since the early ‘sixties – yet has also seen a six per cent drop in overall crime on the railways. First ScotRail celebrated its third anniversary since awarded the franchise less than a fortnight ago – on October 17, when it reported a highly successful year. Mary Grant, First ScotRail's managing director, said: “This award is testament to all our hard work in delivering customer growth, improved performance and significant investment in trains and at stations. “Further improved performance remains a core objective and we will continue to work with industry partners to exceed expectations under a strategy focused on the customer and a duty to perform at the highest standards.”

Transport employee of the year 

Theresa Gault, First ScotRail’s sponsorship and events manager, was named Transport Employee of the Year. She received the accolade for her pivotal role in providing rail transport to major events such as The Open at Carnoustie and the UEFA Cup Final at Hampden this year, and to past events such as the G8 summit at Gleneagles and the Make Poverty History March in Edinburgh. Theresa has worked on Scotland’s railways for more than 25 years, including from her hospital bed after smashing her ankle on ice outside her home last winter. Peter Williams, First ScotRail’s commercial director, said: “Theresa’s dedication, experience and knowledge of the industry are renowned. Her efforts at many of Scotland’s biggest events enhanced the travel experience for tens of thousands of people.” The Transport Employee category was open to those who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty to make a real difference. The Scottish Transport Awards are organised by industry magazine Transport Times and recognise transport companies and individuals delivering high quality services. The awards ceremony was held at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow on 29 October.

Fort William driver scoops national award

A train driver from Fort William has been awarded for his services to the rail industry at the RailStaff Awards 2007. John Hynd, who joined First ScotRail 28 years ago, collected the title of 'Train Driver of the Year' at the ceremony in Birmingham on 27 October. The judges heard many examples of John's commitment, including:

John, a driver and instructor on the famous West Highland Line, has also sky dived from 10,000 feet to raise over £3000 for Macmillan Cancer Relief. He was nominated for the award by colleagues, who noted that since starting work as a driver's assistant on his 20th birthday he has never had a day off sick. The judges acknowledged unstinting dedication to passengers' enjoyment and wellbeing and to ensuring that train services keep running no matter the weather. John was delighted to receive his award. He said: "I'm very lucky as my job brings me into contact with a variety of people in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. Should anything happen, if anything needs done, it will be. Everyone gets involved, we are a really good team. " Mary Grant, First ScotRail's managing director, said: "John's dedication knows no bounds. He has set a new standard in customer service and many visitors return to the area because of his warm welcome. He is an outstanding ambassador not only for First ScotRail but for Scotland." Last year, John was runner-up for 'Outstanding Personal Contribution' at the National Rail Awards. He also won 'Outstanding Volunteer Contribution' at the 2006 Community Rail Awards and 'Transport Employee of the Year' at the 2006 Scottish Transport Awards. The latest awards were organised by industry publication RailStaff and recognise individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis.

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