A BUS operator has won national recognition.

Transdev, which runs Keighley Bus Company, has been chosen as a finalist in this year's Routeone Awards.

The awards programme, launched in 2005, salutes excellence and innovation across the bus and coach industry.

Transdev is amongst 81 entrants, spanning 15 categories, shortlisted to receive accolades when the finals take place at Birmingham in November. It is competing in the environment category.

Judges praised Transdev's multi-million-pound investment in electric technology.

In August last year, the company announced orders worth £21 million for a new fleet of all-electric double and single-deck buses.

Then two months later it revealed a further £7.5m investment in 15 new electric buses for its popular Shuttle service, which runs between Keighley and Bradford.

An order was placed for Mercedes-Benz E-Citaro all-electric single-deck buses, after successful trials both on the Shuttle route and between Harrogate and Knaresborough.

The transformation to zero emissions operation is due for completion by the end of this year.

Company managing director, Henri Rohard, says: "We are proud to be shortlisted for the Environment Award, especially in the year when the transition to electric buses is so important for our industry.

"We'll continue to be proactive in reducing our carbon footprint, and by actively pursuing development and growth for our local communities. All our steps in that direction are important – for example, 80 per cent of the components in both of our new electric bus designs are produced in the UK or Europe.

"This new generation of buses and charging systems has taken us three years to develop, following a successful application for £11 million through ZEBRA – the Government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas fund – and supported by our two exceptional partners, North Yorkshire Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, to make these exciting projects a reality."

As part of the Routeone Awards, candidates – having been nominated by industry peers – submit detailed entries, which are then scrutinised by a panel of experts.

Awards director, Helen Conway, says: "The Routeone Awards stand as a beacon of recognition in the bus and coach industry. Each year, the calibre of entries surpasses expectations, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry.

"The finalists represent the very best, and it's an honour to recognise their achievements."