National praise for city transport scheme

Bus passengers in Swansea could be getting one of the best services in the UK, according to UK transport officials.

The Landore Express Bus Route developed by Swansea Council and First's ftr Metro were runners-up in the Transport Infrastructure category at the annual UK Bus Awards.

They were selected from a record 210 entries from around the country and received their prizes before 650 industry professionals at a glittering ceremony at London's Hilton Hotel.

The UK Bus Awards Scheme is designed to recognise and reward excellence and good practice in a wide range of disciplines associated with the operation, design and promotion of bus services.

John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea Council, said: "These awards are recognition that we are moving in the right direction in terms of improving public transport in Swansea.

"With assistance from the Welsh Assembly Transport Grant we have been able to work alongside transport operators in the city to introduce innovative public transport services that help us achieve our long term aims for a sustainable integrated transport system."

A spokesperson for First Cymru said: "First Cymru is delighted that the ftr Metro project has been recognised at the UK Bus Awards.

"The award recognises all the hard work and partnership working with Swansea Council that got this project off the ground."

UK Bus Awards chairman John Owen said he was delighted not only with the record breaking number of entries for 2009 but also the quality of those entries.

Mr Owen said: "Not only have we received a record 210 entries across the categories this year but we're also hugely impressed by the standards of all of the entries because they gave the judges a difficult time. It is thrilling to see such enthusiasm for the awards, particularly against such a harsh economic backdrop."

Visit www.ukbusawards.org.uk for more information about all the winners and runners-up at the 2009 UK Bus Awards.