AROUND 200 drivers from Transdev – which includes Keighley Bus Company – have won coveted awards for their skills behind the wheel.

The cohort has achieved Fleet Elite status in a globally-recognised scheme which rewards smooth and safe driving.

Telematics company GreenRoad records driver performance remotely using equipment installed on every Transdev bus.

Drivers are monitored for a year before they can earn the status and must achieve an average of five or fewer ‘events’ – such as harsh braking – in every ten hours on the road.

Transdev operations director, Vitto Pizzuti, said: “I’m delighted at these excellent results achieved by our amazing teams.

“GreenRoad rightly sets high standards and our colleagues have certainly risen to the challenge, with a 59 per cent rise in the number of our drivers recognised as reaching Fleet Elite status.

“Our number-one priority is safety for our customers, colleagues and everyone who uses the region’s roads alongside us.

“With traffic levels now rising with the relaxation of pandemic travel restrictions, it is more important than ever that we deliver consistently high standards behind the wheel every day.

“The benefits of smooth and safe driving can be seen not only among our teams, but also on the roads. Our drivers’ success reflects the thorough standard of training and mentoring they receive as well as their own determination to be among our industry’s best.”

David Ripstein, of GreenRoad, pays tribute to Transdev’s results.

He said: “We work closely with Transdev to monitor driving performance using best-in-class safety telematics, powered by advanced technology and artificial intelligence, which together with our many years of experience recognises the positive power of immediate driving feedback.

“Transdev’s impressive results show how important reaching and maintaining the highest standards of safety really is. A low score recorded by our ‘Eco Driver’ monitoring equipment means a smooth and safe journey and lower emissions, with success rewarded through the Fleet Elite incentive programme.

“The recognition – together with monetary rewards – drivers gain by achieving Fleet Elite status has proven to be an effective incentive leading to smoother driving, fewer accidents and lower fuel consumption.”