McGill's Celebrates double shortlisting at UK National Transport Awards

McGill’s Group has secured two nominations at the UK National Transport Awards, with its award-winning Midland Bluebird Service 38 and driver Pummy Hadebe shortlisted for national honours.

Service 38, which operates between Falkirk and Stirling, is in contention for Best Bus Service, while Pummy Hadebe has been nominated for Frontline Employee/Community Champion of the Year after helping to deliver a baby on board a McGill’s bus.

The national recognition follows success at last month’s Scottish Transport Awards, where Service 38 was crowned Scotland’s Best Bus Service. Pummy also received a Highly Commended award in the Frontline Employee of the Year category.

Service 38 has undergone significant improvements since McGill’s Group acquired Midland Bluebird in 2022. Passenger numbers have increased by 38% over the past year and by 52% since the acquisition, while the service has achieved reliability of 99.8%.

A £14 million investment by McGill’s Group also introduced 30 new zero-emission electric buses, alongside increased frequencies and wider service improvements.

Colin Napier, Group Service Delivery Director at McGill’s Buses, said: “Being shortlisted for two UK National Transport Awards is an endorsement of our people and their focus on delivering an exceptional service to our customers.

“Midland Bluebird’s Service 38 arrives on the UK shortlist having already been crowned the best bus service in Scotland. That achievement reflects years of sustained investment and hard work, from introducing 30 new electric buses and increasing frequencies to delivering exceptional reliability for passengers.

“This is not simply about new vehicles. It is about the drivers, engineers and operational teams who work every day to provide a service that communities across the Forth Valley can depend upon.

“We are equally proud to see Pummy recognised on the national stage. Her calmness, compassion and professionalism in extraordinary circumstances captured the admiration of people across the country and demonstrated the very best of our frontline colleagues.

“To have both Service 38 and Pummy competing against the best from across the UK is a significant achievement. This recognition reflects the progress we have made, but we remain determined to keep improving for our passengers.”

The UK National Transport Awards recognise excellence and innovation across transport in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The winners will be announced at the UK National Transport Awards ceremony at the Westminster Park Plaza in London on 1 October 2026.