Morebus is celebrating this week – after parent company Go South Coast was named Large Bus Operator of the Year, and its very own Richard Wade achieved Manager of the Year in the Route One Awards.
“This is fantastic recognition for the entire Go South Coast team – and not least all my colleagues here at Morebus, led by Manager of the Year, Richard Wade,” said Go South Coast managing director, Ben Murray.
“Richard has incredible leadership skills. He led our operations team through the sudden growth in 2022, following the collapse of Yellow Buses, and now we provide a comprehensive network of services across the region.
“Morebus’ close partnership with BCP Council has been key to its success – and Richard has been right at the heart of that. He works with many other stakeholders across our region too – including universities and hospitals, National Trust, Destination Management Board, Business Improvement Districts in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, community rail partnerships, and the New Forest National Park Authority, to help ensure that buses are an attractive option for people travelling across the region.
“And feedback from our customers reflects the work of Richard and his team – with satisfaction levels on a recent independent report standing at 90 percent. That’s among the highest in the country.
“The success of the Go South Coast team – and not least my Morebus colleagues – in winning Large Bus Operator of the Year is testament to a huge amount of effort over the past year.
“I’m delighted judges at the RouteOne Awards have recognised this. I’d like to congratulate Richard Wade and everyone at Morebus and thank them for everything they have done to establish us as the UK’s very best.”
Richard Wade, Morebus general manager, added: “I couldn’t be more proud of the excellent team I have here at Morebus. We have all worked incredibly hard and my success and the wider Go South Coast achievements are a reflection of their tremendous efforts. I’d like to thank them for everything they have done and all they continue to do to ensure Morebus provides services that are second-to-none in the UK.”
The RouteOne Awards also recognised the outstanding achievements of former Go South Coast managing director, Andrew Wickham MBE, who passed away in May this year.
Announcing the award, RouteOne editor, Tim Deakin, described Andrew as: “One of the most competent and impressive leaders the industry has been privileged to see. On many occasions, he moved mountains in the face of adversity to do his best for the customer. He leaves bus services in his region in a much better place than he found them. Perhaps, above all else, he leaves the wider industry in a much better position than he found it.”
For more information about Morebus, please visit morebus.co.uk