McGill’s Group, the UK’s largest independent bus operator, is pleased to announce that it has been shortlisted for an impressive four awards at the prestigious UK National Transport Awards 2023.

The Scottish-based group, owned by billionaire businessmen Sandy and James Easdale, has been shortlisted for UK Bus Operator of the Year as well as in the Exemplary Contribution to Net Zero category.

In the Best Bus Service category, McGill’s Group has also been nominated for its new electric bus SWITCH service which is encouraging more people to leave their cars at home and utilise low-carbon public transport. Since 2021, McGill’s Group has invested more than £55 million into its electric fleet, placing it in the top three companies in the UK for fleet decarbonisation.

The group also gets a nomination for its FlixBus partnership, with its Glasgow – Dundee – Stirling – Perth – Aberdeen route also shortlisted in the Best Bus Service category.

Ralph Roberts, CEO of McGill’s Group, expressed his delight at the nominations, explaining: “Being shortlisted for not one, but four UK National Transport Awards is a remarkable achievement for McGill’s Buses.

“This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our team as well as the huge investment we have made in our new electric fleet as well as our innovative partnership with FlixBus on longer-distance routes. We are committed to providing a service that goes above and beyond, connecting communities and delivering a sustainable transport solution for all and we are pleased that these nominations highlight that effort.”

Chairman James Easdale said: “McGill’s Group has always been driven by a commitment to service excellence for our passengers and also to environmental sustainability. We continue to look for new opportunities to build the business so that we can be at the forefront of innovation in public transport and we are delighted to be recognised at a UK level.”

Sandy Easdale, McGill’s Group director, added: “Through the acquisitions of Xplore Dundee from National Express and the Scotland East business from First Group, we have been building a formidable operator capable of challenging long-established companies. We plan to continue this path and it will be passengers who will benefit in the long-term.”

The winners of the National Transport Awards 2023 will be announced at an event in London on October 5th, 2023.