ALMOST 200 bus drivers in Cumbria and North Lancashire have been honoured with a prestigious award for their smooth driving. 

190 Stagecoach drivers have achieved Fleet Elite Status, with 86 being recognised as Master Level.

The accolade is given to those who perform well when recorded by onboard monitoring equipment which penalises any sharp braking or manoeuvres.

Of the 190 drivers recognised, 74 hail from Carlisle services, 22 from Barrow, and 37 from West Cumbria. 

Each individual bus is fitted with a device which measures the G-forces in the vehicle when accelerating, braking, and turning - converting these readings into a safety score for each driver.

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Neil Harvey, from Carlisle, has been with Stagecoach for more than 20 years and now drives buses around the city with some trips to Dumfries and Newcastle - priding himself on four years of Fleet Elite status, he is rated Gold; with five being required to ascertain Master Level. 

"If you are running a low score to keep in the Fleet Elite your passengers are getting a smoother ride. I like to make my passengers enjoy the ride," he said.

Stagecoach have said it's a particularly impressive feat to achieve within Cumbria, due to challenging driving conditions where there are often many tourists, or the steep climbs to Kirkstone Pass and Honister.

Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire managing director Rob Jones said: "To see so many of our drivers receive Fleet Elite and Master Fleet Elite status is testament to the quality of our teams across Cumbria and North Lancashire and their commitment to driving safely and efficiently.

"Smoother, fuel-efficient driving is safer and provides more comfortable journeys for all our customers, as well as helping to cut our carbon footprint and meet our sustainability targets.

"Congratulations to every one of our drivers who were awarded this year," he said. 

Each driver who achieved the qualification, will be recognised with a special badge for their efforts, alongside each driver who achieves an overall safety score of 20 or less also receives a bonus for their smooth driving efforts. 

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