First Rotherham's bus depot wins special award as one of the best across the UK

The new initiative being run by First Bus is designed to improve standards across bus depots by developing and sustaining best practices in maintenance and presentation of the fleet. The programme to achieve the award includes staff training for all 81 members of the depot team and aims to improve communication and staff engagement in the workplace.

The special Wrench Award was presented to the local team to recognise improvements in workplace safety and environment, management of stores and stock processes, improved staff working conditions and improvements to vehicle cleanliness and presentation. The Award was presented to Engineering Manager Ian Plant who retires this year after 43 years of service in the bus industry. Ian, who started in 1973 as an engineering clerk aged 17, went on to work in a number of engineering roles before becoming an Engineering Manager in 2000.

Mark Johnston, Fleet Engineer at First South Yorkshire, said: “Our Rotherham engineering team have embraced new and improved processes which have raised engineering standards even higher. As a result our vehicles provide customers with an even better, safer and more comfortable journey as well as reducing our carbon footprint. I’m very proud that our team are one of the first to receive a special ‘Wrench’ Award – it’s a very tough distinction to earn. This is also a reflection of the hard work by Ian Plant who has done a great job in leading the team and I wish him well in his retirement after over 43 years serving the bus industry.”