Hardworking Cumbrian bus staff are waiting to see if they will come out on top in two national awards. 

Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire is in the running in two categories at the UK Bus Awards, with the winners announced on Tuesday November 15.

Its Explore the Lakes by Bus service is up for the Buses for Pleasure award, while staff at its depot in Barrow are waiting to see if they will be named as Top National Bus Depot. 

Willie McPhail, operations manager at the Barrow depot – which employs 85 people – said the award nomination was based on its performance over the year against a number of criteria, including customer care and service delivery. 

He said he was proud of the team at the depot who had performed well despite challenges such as driver recruitment. 

“It’s fantastic to be named as finalists in the awards and hopefully there will be more good news when the winners are announced next week,” said Willie. 

“It’s really great for the team to be recognised like this. We’ve just been doing the best we can and it’s nice to see that all the hard work is paying off. 

“We’ve been able to deliver a good quality product and a reliable service and despite some of the problems we’ve had around recruitment our drivers have dug in and we’ve operated well where others haven’t.”

Engineering manager David Cowperthwaite, who has worked at the Barrow depot for 22 years, says the nomination helps make all of the hard work worthwhile.

“It’s all down to the people who work here really,” he says. 

“It’s a good place to work, with good facilities, a great team and it’s just a beautiful part of the world to live in.”

The award winners will be announced at a special event at the Troxy music venue, in Stepney, London.

Rob Jones, Managing Director for Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire, said: “Our staff across Cumbria and North Lancashire work extremely hard every day to help people make essential journeys and help visitors enjoy the area. 

“They deserve all the praise and accolades possible and I wish them the best of luck at the awards ceremony.”