Metro was awarded Beacon Council status in April 2004. The award recognises Metro's achievements in promoting best practice in public transport. Beacon Council awards were set up by the Government to identify areas of excellence in local government from which other councils can learn. Ministers select service areas that directly impact the quality of life for local people and councils are invited to apply.
In its submission, Metro cited examples of successes including the development of Guided Busways and new Bus Stations, the £18.7m it has secured for Yellow Bus services to schools across the county, the two ‘Centre of Excellence’ open days attended by transport professionals from across the UK and the high commendation of its £21m concessionary fares scheme by the Audit Commission.
In late 2003, Metro became a matrix approved organisation. Awarded by the Guidance Accreditation Board, the matrix Standard is a national quality standard for organisations delivering information, advice and guidance services for learning and work. It is maintained and promoted by The Employment NTO.
Its purpose is to identify the essential features of successful delivery of any information, advice and guidance service and to provide key indicators by which organisations can measure their current activities.
For its work in designing award-winning bus stations and other passenger interchanges, as well as promoting integrated transport schemes, Metro was made a Centre of Excellence.
Metro regularly hosts delegations from overseas, and has produced a CD-ROM to promote best practice in these areas.
Metro has been an Investor in People organisation since 1999, and was awarded Chartermark status in 2000. IIP recognises the support Metro offers its staff in career development and lifelong learning opportunities, while Chartermark recognises Metro's aim to provide the best in customer service.
