Southern won three prizes at the National Loo of the Year Awards ceremony held in Birmingham on Friday.
The Awards have a simple objective – to encourage the highest possible standards in all types of ‘away from home’ or public toilets.
Southern’s Class 377 Electrostar trains won the National Award for the best on-train loos, Lewes station won the National Award for best lavs at a railway station.
Southern also took the top prize in the Market Sector (Transport) award, beating off stiff competition from motorway service areas, roadside restaurants/service stations, airports, ferry ports and bus & coach stations.
On the night, one of the judges commented that he was made extremely welcome at both Lewes and Worthing stations and Southern had clearly made a step change in service provided.
He also remarked that Southern was a clear ambassador for train operating companies.
Worthing station toilets earned a four-star rating.
Commenting on the wins, Southern’s Head of Customer Experience Emma Toms said:
“We’re delighted to have won two national categories and end up with a sector win. We’re extremely proud to have won these awards.
“The station staff at Lewes take great care to ensure that the best possible standards are maintained and it is testament to the hard work by our train cleaners and depot engineers that they have been recognised for having the finest train toilets in the country.”
Every entry received unannounced visits from an authorise Loo of the Year Inspector and was assessed against 100 judging criteria including signage and décor, fixtures and fittings and overall standards of cleanliness and management.
The award wins are no flash in the pan – Southern also walked away with the best railway station loo in England for the Changing Places accessible toilet at Sutton railway station last year.
