13 November 2008

School service nets national award for Lucketts Travel

Hampshire based travel firm Lucketts has picked up a prestigious national coaching award for its commitment to transforming school travel in the region.

The company picked up the title of Coach Operator Innovation of the Year for its Solent Student Link service which operates a series of five colour-coded routes for pupils at five independent schools in the Portsmouth area.

Judges said the initiative had made a massive impact on school bus services. “In five years this innovation has contributed quantifiable improvements in terms of improved safety, reduced congestion and reduced carbon emissions,’’ they said. “What’s more it is highly rated by parents, schools and the local community.

In the five years since launch the Solent Student Link has grown to regularly carry 250 students and incorporates 70 stops in the Solent area. There has been reduced congestion outside schools and the wide area covered has allowed schools to increase their catchment areas.

Lucketts managing director Ian Luckett said he was delighted to have been awarded such a prestigious title in the Operator Excellence Awards and puts the success of the service down to a number of factors.

“What we have done is make the service as straightforward as possible, with an easy timetable and route map, consistent fares and information all available online and in a handy leaflet for parents and guardians available from each school,’’ he said.