Go North East wins gold at prestigious awards

Go North East brought the gold back from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Annual Awards for Excellence on Thursday night, fighting off stiff competition from fellow finalists Transport for London and Reading Buses to win the award for Passenger Transport Excellence.

The region’s largest bus company rubbed shoulders with big hitters, including companies beyond the bus and coach sector, such as Wren Kitchens, Hermes, Yodel, Urban Outfitters, Heathrow Airport, Travis Perkins and PD Ports.

The awards ceremony, which honoured the very best individuals and organisations who have made a significant impact within the logistics and transport profession by helping to keep the country moving, was held at the Royal Lancaster in London.

More than 300 guests gathered to celebrate the great and the good of the logistics and transport sector.

Stephen King, commercial director at Go North East, said: “The last two years have been difficult for most and there has been great work done by many businesses, so to come out on top and to be recognised alongside these companies is a major honour.

“Everyone across Go North East has worked tirelessly to provide the best possible service to our customers in difficult times, so it’s brilliant that we’ve been recognised as delivering excellence in public transport.”

Commenting on the event, Kevin Richardson, Chief Executive of CILT(UK), said: “I am immensely proud at how our profession and our members have risen to the challenges of the past two years. Shining through all of the entries this year is a commitment to innovation, hard work and dedication.”

The judges also added that: “In recent years the whole bus industry has been affected by declining passenger numbers but in Tyne and Wear, Go North East was bucking this trend before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and in November 2020 Go North East also flipped the switch on VOLTRA – its new brand for the first fully electric zero-emission bus fleet in the North East which are capable of an all-day service on a single overnight charge, improving air quality.”