Whippet and University of Cambridge Win Public Transport Award at CiTTi Awards 2024

Whippet and the University of Cambridge beat off stiff competition from the likes of Transport for London and Go-Ahead Group to take home the coveted Public Transport Award at last week’s CiTTi Awards 2024. 
 
The award recognises achievements in public transport, focusing on projects and services that significantly contribute to urban mobility, sustainability, and provide enhanced passenger experiences. Universal, the service connecting the University of Cambridge’s locations throughout the city, provides a convenient transport link for students and staff, as well as local residents and visitors. 
 
Whippet has worked in partnership with the University of Cambridge since 2016 to run the Universal route. In 2023, over £5 million was invested in a full fleet of high spec electric buses, making it the first privately funded zero emission bus network in the UK. This saw the service refreshed to provide a state of the art passenger experience in response to passenger feedback, and with an improved passenger information system and host of other features onboard.
 
Taking home the award marks a milestone for the Universal service, which in September 2024 celebrated its first full year with a fully-electric fleet. The service continues to grow and improve, with double the number of passengers now using the route compared with when Whippet started running Universal in 2016. The 2024 passenger survey also saw passenger satisfaction increase by 9% from the previous year. 
 
Alongside the investments and improvements made on the Universal service, Whippet has been working hard to improve its other routes and services across Cambridgeshire—and these were recognised at Tuesday’s UK Bus Awards. 
 
Whippet received the Bronze Award in the Top Independent Operator category, which celebrates operators who demonstrate strong customer service and high operational and engineering standards alongside good investment in services, innovation, and growth. 
 
From the rollout of Tap On, Tap Off at the start of the year, to several improved operational systems, Whippet has been making improvements both for passengers and behind the scenes.
 
Acknowledging Whippet’s success in growing passenger numbers, the operator was also a finalist in the Going for Growth award, recognising successful and sustainable passenger growth. Whippet’s local 66, 18 and X3 routes have shown a combined 34% increase in passengers, bucking the regional trend.
 
These awards and recognitions mark the first of their kind for Whippet, a 105 year old business, now under Ascendal’s ownership. 
 
Jonathan Ziebart, Managing Director of Ascendal UK, says: “I’m delighted to see us recognised at both the CiTTi and UK Bus Awards this year. We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with the University of Cambridge, and it’s great to be recognised for the continued growth of our rural routes as well. These awards are a credit to our team who keep our fleet on the road and provide a great service to the community.”
 
Adam Leishman, Executive Chairman and Founder of Ascendal, says: “We have now partnered with the University of Cambridge for almost ten years with one of the best bus services in the country.  It is a delight to work with such an historic yet forward thinking organisation such as the University, with an absolute commitment to the local community – characteristics with which we share and why I believe, our partnership has become so strong. ”