A PIONEERING travel scheme operated by Keighley company Transdev Blazefield has proved to be just the ticket with organisers of a top awards programme.

VAMOOZ, an app-based service devised by the bus operator, picked-up a leading accolade at the National Transport Awards in London.

It was crowned Most Innovative Transport Project of the Year.

VAMOOZ is a free-to-download app, offering a one-stop shop to browse day trips, suggest destinations and buy tickets, all through a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

Originally launched in this area, the venture has since spread to many parts of Britain, from Cornwall to Teesside.

Alex Hornby, Transdev Blazefield’s chief executive officer, said he was “absolutely delighted” with the award.

He added: “It’s proof that the hard work, innovative approach and creative thought we have placed in VAMOOZ has paid off, with recognition from our peers.

“We believe the scheme demonstrates that the future planning of transport networks needs to involve customer and economic demands more than at present.

“It also shows we are a creative, customer-centric and future-thinking organisation not afraid to try new mobility models.”

His delight at the honour is shared by VAMOOZ sales and operations manager Rebecca Reeve-Burnett, who has led the development and expansion of the project.

“I’m thrilled not just for the team here at Transdev Blazefield but also for our growing list of partner bus operators which are taking-up the idea with real enthusiasm and dedication," she said.

“The great thing about VAMOOZ is its simplicity – anyone with a mobile device can simply download the free app, choose the trip they want to join, or suggest a new one.

“It gives customers the freedom to go where they choose, and the more who ride, the lower the fare for everyone on board. The growing network has already run hundreds of days out, home-to-school transport services and commuter journeys.”