Published on: Monday, 12 November 2018
Last updated: Monday, 12 November 2018
Two innovations by train operator Greater Anglia were recognised at the International Ideas UK Awards on Wednesday (7 November) as ‘Ideas of the Year 2018’.
Greater Anglia’s Compliance Manager, Mark Briers, won the Health & Safety category for his innovative solution to modify the train operator’s on train coffee machines, by creating a cup holder to prevent catering staff from being scalded by spills.
The installation of free water fountains at Greater Anglia rail stations was named runner-up for the ‘Idea of the Year 2018’ in the Sustainability category.
The innovation was the bright idea of Desmond O’Dwyer, Greater Anglia’s Asset Management Project Manager, who came up with the idea to install a fountain at Ipswich, Colchester and Cambridge stations.
The three fountains have already saved over 50,000 single-use plastic bottles from being thrown away as well as helping to rehydrate customers for free during their journeys.
Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, Jamie Burles, said, “I am delighted that these innovations have been recognised by Ideas UK and would like to congratulate Mark and Desmond and thank them for their dedication and great ideas that are improving passengers’ experience, and helping colleagues.
“When we hear great ideas, we’re always willing to explore how we can put these into practice and have an innovation fund set up to achieve this, as part of continually improving the service we provide.”