Supertram's innovative approach with the introduction of low-floor buses on the Sheffield - Stocksbridge corridor has received praise from every corner of the public transport industry and took the Best Customer Initiative Award. Highly respected BBC and ITV news and current affairs presenter - and light rail supporter - Nicholas Owen presented the award to Andy Morris, Managing Director of operator Stagecoach Supertram.

Mr Owen said: "If the government won't give you money to extend your light rail system, and the public are clamouring for better transport, you have to use your initiative, which is what South Yorkshire Supertram has done with staggering success."

Organised by leading light rail publication Tramways and Urban Transit, this inaugral awards ceremony brought together all the main players in the UK light rail industry and recognised achievement in an area that is ever-growing in the public concious. Tramways and Urban Transit Editor-in-Chief, Howard Johnston, commented: "I think the significance of a bus service taking the top honours at a primarily light rail-focused awards ceremony speaks for itself. The innovative nature of this route extension offers a high frequency of travel from reliable and dependable vehicles from a trusted name."

The packed awards audience included chief executives from every UK light rail system as well as the most important decision-makers from all of the major UK tramway manufacturers and suppliers.

In addition to this top honour, Andy Morris returned to the stage to collect a highly commended award in the Operator Of The Year section, with Mr Owen remarking: " This system is a modest jewel in the crown of modern light rail and all the best words in the dictionary fit like a glove - efficient, punctual, comfortable, bright and, above all, friendly."

A delighted Andy Morris later replied: "These awards are very gratefully received and reflect all the hard work from Stagecoach Supertram staff. We are very proud of our transport system and the service it provides within the wider community, and this shows in the feedback we receive from our customers."