CUMBRIAN bus drivers have scooped awards which put them among the best in the country – despite the challenging terrain they face.

188 local Stagecoach drivers have been awarded Fleet Elite status this month (FEB) - a safe driving accolade measured by onboard monitoring equipment which penalises any sharp braking or manoeuvres.

Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire also notched up an impressive overall safety score, placing it in the top three of all the Stagecoach UK operating companies for 2019.

At Kendal 15 drivers received a Fleet Elite award this month, representing 26 per cent of the total drivers at this depot.

“I’m pretty chuffed!” said Tom Waterhouse, Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire Operations Director, who is based in Carlisle.

“It is especially impressive given the significantly challenging driving conditions faced by our drivers in Cumbria.

“For example, they are driving in the Lake District, through places like Ambleside and Grasmere and up to Coniston when there is a huge influx of tourists.

“We also have drivers going over Kirkstone Pass and up past Honister Slate Mine on the single-track road which has a 25 degree incline – it is very impressive that they can do this and maintain these elite standards of driving.”

The Fleet Elite winners are located across the division’s depots at Carlisle, Workington, Kendal, Barrow and Morecambe.