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| PRESS RELEASE (22 October 2009) |
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| Watchdog: 'trent barton among the best in the UK' |
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REALLY Good Bus Company trent barton has been rated one of the best bus companies in the United Kingdom by watchdog group Bus Users UK.
The ‘voice’ of the country’s bus passengers carried out a mystery audit of the business, and the customer service of trent barton was given high marks.
But, after highlighting an issue with litter on buses late in the day, the company’s management has pledged to increase the number of in-service cleans.
The watchdog said: “trent barton’s reputation as a high-quality operator was largely borne out by our auditors on their journeys. Bus Users UK found trent barton to be in good health with no signs of complacency and still meriting its reputation as one of the best bus operators in the UK.
“trent barton has led the way with its approach in providing high-quality buses on high-frequency routes, geared to customer requirements. The use of distinctly-branded buses encourages passengers to identify with ‘their’ routes and has raised the profile of bus travel in the East Midlands.”
Among issues highlighted by Bus Users UK:
* Fares regarded as “good value for money”;
* An excellent website (www.trentbarton.co.uk) and clear information on bus stops and at bus stations;
* Exteriors of buses “extremely clean” and route branding “attractive and distinctive”, but litter on board buses more of a problem as the day wore on;
* Visual and spoken announcements on newer buses;
* Helpful drivers who greeted and thanked passengers;
* Driving standards “good”, but some services tightly timed leading to delays in congested city centres.
The watchdog acknowledged that trent barton, in common with bus companies across the country, faced external problems like traffic congestion, uncontrolled parking, sometimes unannounced roadworks, and a lack of bus priority measures.”
Jeff Counsell, the managing director of trent barton, said: “We are naturally delighted by the findings of the independent audit by Bus Users UK but, as their report says, we are never complacent as a company. We will continue to strive to offer the best possible customer service to our passengers. We will be taking immediate action to address some of the areas in which Bus Users UK said we could improve the experience of bus travel for our customers.”
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