THE Burnley Bus Company's 30-strong fleet of Mainline vehicles has taken a top prize at the UK Bus Awards.

The market research programme which was used to draw up the specification for the £4,5million investment by parent company Transdev won the gold medal in the 'Putting Passengers First' category.

The ‘Make My Mainline’ research used social media to attract hundreds of customer suggestions to help create the new buses.

Each bus includes many of the ideas suggested in the research such as fast, free and reliable Wi-Fi and at seat USB power points, brighter interior lighting, more legroom and luggage space, and bigger litter bins. It also suggested the finishing touch of two local voices (local radio DJ Dave Metcalfe and schoolgirl Emma Taylor) to make announcements."

The Blackburn Bus Company’s engineering team was shortlisted for the title of Top National Bus Depot at the awards.

Transdev chief executive Alex Hornby said: “I’m absolutely delighted by these awards, which recognise the innovation, talent and pride in our teams as they deliver customer service every day.