A South West bus operator has reached the finals of a national competition.

First West of England, which operates in Bristol, Bath, Somerset, South Gloucestershire and West Wiltshire, has been shortlisted in two categories at the UK Bus Awards.

The national awards ceremony recognises the best public transport initiatives around the country.

The local operator is a finalist in the Making Buses a Better Choice category for its involvement with Bristol’s Metrobus and the Sustained Marketing Excellence category for its work encouraging more people to take the bus.

James Freeman, managing director of First West of England, said: “We’ve seen an outstanding increase in customers using our services, with passengers up by 10 per cent across the West of England region.

“Thanks to our investment in state-of-the-art vehicles and new digital services, it’s now easier than ever before for people to choose the bus as the smartest way to travel in the region.

“The bus awards showcase some of the UK’s best of public transport initiatives and the First West of England team is extremely proud to be nominated.”

Mark Yexley, chairman of the UK Bus Awards, added: “Reaching the finals is a huge achievement and the team at First West of England should be really proud of what they’ve accomplished.

“To be shortlisted in two categories which are both focused on encouraging more people to make buses a top choice travel option, shows the team’s dedication to providing a great service and generating growth.

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“We would like to wish them the very best of luck in the finals!”

The team will head to London on November 19 for the category finals.