Sector Focus
Business Travel
Sponsored by: Chiltern Railways
Chiltern Railways to launch into Oxford city centre this December
By Lucy Evans Marketing Manager
National Express drive away with top award
National Express West Midlands has won Bus Operator of the Year at the National Transport Awards. Bus driver Dave Gerrard, from
Pensnett garage in Dudley, was also commended in the Frontline Employee of the Year category for raising thousands of pounds for local charities. Dave, from Stourbridge, has been a
bus driver for decades and, every year, he organises events to raise money for Russell’s Hall Hospital, the Royal British Legion, Macmillan Nurses and many others. Dean Finch, group chief executive at
Chiltern Railways will launch their first direct service between Oxford city centre and London Marylebone on the 12th December 2016. This will follow the
completion of the final section of track between Oxford Parkway and Oxford station and means that the first new rail link between a major British city and London in over 100 years will be fully open. From mid-December visitors
to the historic university city will be able to travel direct from London Marylebone, enjoying free wi-fi with Chiltern Railways. Calling points between London Marylebone and Oxford will include the newly opened Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village stations. Dave Penney, Managing
Director at Chiltern Railways said: “Not only will the competition of the route deliver significant social, economic and environmental benefits for those living and working along the route, it will support growth of the visitor economy bringing more tourists to the city to experience everything Oxford has to offer.” Martin Frobisher, Managing
Director of Network Rail's London North Western route, said: “This important landmark in our nationwide Railway Upgrade Plan will offer a great new travel option not just for business and leisure passengers in Oxford going to London but also for those in London heading to Oxford. It will bring economic benefits to the Oxford region and with it new opportunities for people living there.”
54 CHAMBERLINK December 2016/January 2017
National Express, said: “This is a great accolade for the whole team. “From leading the industry on
partnership working, investing in new premium Platinum vehicles that are proving so popular with passengers and being way ahead of other city-regions on smart, integrated transport, this award is very well deserved.”
‘These are the most prestigious awards in our industry, so this is a great credit to everyone’s hard work’
National Express West Midlands managing director,
Peter Coates, said: “These are the most prestigious awards in our industry, so this is a great credit to everyone’s hard work. “It also demonstrates that the way we work in
partnership as part of the UK’s first – and best – Bus Alliance to improve journeys is delivering great results for our passengers.” The West Midlands enjoyed further success on the
national stage, with TfWM – the transport arm of the region’s new combined authority (WMCA) – named City Region Transport Authority of the Year. Overcoming tough opposition from other regions – including Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the
North East – the award highlighted key projects that TfWM has delivered, including the Midland Metro tram extension through Birmingham city centre and the Swift smartcard – the most advanced of its kind outside of London. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling MP said:
“Transport has a unique power to make people’s lives better. It connects us with family and friends. “It links us with jobs and schools. It helps
businesses reach new markets. And it drives economic growth and prosperity. “So it is right that once a year we have an opportunity to recognise the very best from across the industry at the National Transport Awards. “Each of the nominees for 2016 has excelled in a
different way, but all have succeeded in raising the standard of transport delivery across modern Britain. And that is something the whole country can celebrate.”
Overhaul of Emirates lounge
Emirates – which operates daily flights from Birmingham - has completed a US$11 million makeover of its Business Class lounge at Dubai International Airport (pictured). The refurbishment project took two years to
complete and is part of the airline’s continuous investment to improve and upgrade its products for a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. Emirates’ premium customers can now look forward
to an enhanced lounge experience with three new distinct concept areas within the Emirates Business Class Lounge. The latest food and beverage concepts cater to
diverse tastes and include a barista experience in partnership with Costa Coffee, a Health hub with Voss water featuring healthier options, and an exclusive Moët & Chandon champagne lounge.
Award winners: Bus driver Dave Gerrard (left) and Managing Director Peter Coates
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68