Xplore Dundee is celebrating its status as one of the city’s heroes after winning one of the Evening Telegraph’s Dundee’s Champions Awards. 

The bus operator scooped a prize in the Business Hero category for keeping keyworkers moving during lockdown by operating a core timetable of services and providing free travel for NHS workers during April and May.

Managing Director Christine McGlasson said: “I’m so proud of our whole team for what we’ve achieved in recent months.  This award is for all of the drivers, engineers, traffic office staff, the operations team, administrators, cleaners, managers and customer service advisors who helped keep Dundee moving during one of the most challenging times we’ve ever faced as a business and as a community. 

“Whether they were on the front line, behind the scenes, or staying at home on furlough, every member of the Xplore Dundee team has made a difference and showed their community spirit at a time when we need it most.  It’s clear to see from all the nominations for these awards that our city is full of heroes and we’re glad to play our part.”

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic Xplore Dundee has kept its buses running, even during lockdown when most other forms of public transport were at a standstill.  The operator quickly redesigned its entire network to safely accommodate the thousands of keyworkers who still needed to use its services, to ensure the right frequencies, capacity in terms of physical distancing, and maintain vital links to Ninewells Hospital.

The team moved swiftly to implement an enhanced cleaning regime to ensure employees and customers were not at risk of catching or spreading the virus and the company has continued to adapt to the series of public health measures announced by the Scottish Government.

NHS staff were given free travel across the whole of Xplore Dundee’s network for the months of April and May and the bus operator paid tribute to these and other keyworkers by displaying rainbows on the front of the fleet operating during lockdown. 

Christine McGlasson said: “We believe that Dundee’s buses have been crucial during this crisis and are also the key to the city’s recovery. So we continue to work tirelessly to return services to a normal level as much as possible; to keep people moving, to help restore the local economy and drive towards a healthier, happier city which embraces clean air and active, sustainable travel.”