POOLE’S bus company has been named the best in the country.

Go South Coast, the Poole-based business that owns Morebus, was saluted for its “excellent” customer service and innovative use of technology.

It was also praised at the UK Bus Awards for high quality training and staff development.

Go South Coast came away with three trophies at the UK Bus Awards – UK Bus Operator of the Year, Top Shire Operator and Top National Bus Depot for its Bluestar operation in Eastleigh.

The company operates not only Morebus but Salisbury Reds, Bluestar, Southern Vectis, Thamesdown Transport and Dorset-based Damory.

Morebus has pioneered perks such as free Wi-Fi, phone charging and contactless payment – and recently tried out horseshoe-shaped seating to encourage passengers to talk to each other.

Managing director Andrew Wickham said: “This is wonderful recognition of our team here at Go South Coast. Our focus, always, is on providing our customers with a high quality and reliable bus service.

“Giving visitors to the region the opportunity to leave their cars at home and simply enjoy the array of delights on offer here, is also high on our list of priorities.

“We provide an array of innovative on-board facilities - like free Wi-Fi, USB charging points and contactless ticket payments - to ensure our buses are both comfortable and convenient.”

The company has already been named Large Bus Company of the Year at another ceremony, the RouteOne Awards, where Mr Wickham took the trophy for best manager.

He said: “We won’t be resting on our laurels though. Go South Coast is fortunate to have a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals – and every one of them is motivated to further enhancing the services we offer here.

“I’d like to congratulate all those who have contributed to an incredibly successful year. A massive thank you to my 1,900 colleagues. They made these wins possible.”

The Go Ahead group bought Wilts and Dorset in 2003 and introduced the M1 and M2 services linking Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch the next year.

Passenger numbers on those routes more than doubled in the following decade.

The UK Bus Awards were hosted by TV presenter Jane Hill in front of 710 people at the Troxy in London’s Docklands.