GREAT Western Railway has scooped the top award for Outstanding Operating Team, as well as being recognised in three other categories, at a prestigious rail industry award ceremony.

Winning its first award as GWR, the company has taken the Golden Whistle for the Major Possessions, Projects and Central Station Team in the Outstanding Operating Team category at the Institute of Railway Operators Golden Whistle Awards.

A further two silver awards were achieved for Operational Performance, Intercity and Operational Performance, Regional; while customer services training manager Ashley Bray was highly commended in the Outstanding Individual category.

GWR managing director Mark Hopwood spoke of his pride with GWR being recognised in this manner.

He said: “These results clearly show our commitment to Building a Greater West and investing in what we know our customers want to see, and reflect the hard work of thousands of GWR colleagues.

“I am immensely proud of these awards and the work put in by all of our dedicated staff. The recognition for improved performance is a welcome achievement, showing Network Rail’s work to drive down infrastructure and related delays; and we hope to continue our work with them to transform this railway.”

The recognition comes just days after GWR achieved its highest ever score for customer satisfaction according to independent transport user watchdog, Transport Focus.

Increasing its year-on-year measure for overall satisfaction by three percent from 81 per cent to 84 per cent, GWR has posted its highest score since the National Rail Passenger Survey began in 1999.

Unlike other industry awards, the Golden Whistles are dedicated to people who work in railway operations. They recognise those who have gone above and beyond expectations in order to deliver outstanding operational performance.