News
Rural Lift does the Treble
Celebrations continue in Rural Lift for SW Fermanagh where two drivers have managed to collect the NI, UK and All Ireland MiDAS Driver of the Year trophies in 2007.
This magnificent achievement is a reflection of the dedication to MiDAS across Northern Ireland.
Gerald Calgie won the NI MiDAS Community Driver of the Year competition in October 07. He then went on to compete against the Republic of Ireland title holder successfully lifting the All Ireland MiDAS title on 14th November.
Roland who held the 2006 NI MiDAS Driver of the Year title and who was runner up in the 2007 NI competition, travelled with Gerald to CTA 2007 where both competed in the UK MiDAS final. At the CTA Awards ceremony Roland was presented with the overall UK MiDAS Driver title.
The trophy cabinet is now full in Rural Lift and Manager Anita Flanagan intends it to stay that way
“Rural Lift is committed to providing a professional and quality community transport service for our community. Through MiDAS drivers are provided with the skills and knowledge to ensure that passenger and operational needs are met.
All at Rural Lift are delighted that our drivers have won all MiDAS trophies this year. I am not surprised that both drivers performed so well in the three competitions. Both are great drivers, very dedicated and I want to congratulate them on this well deserved recognition for great MiDAS driving.
MiDAS is important for Rural Lift. We ensure all drivers complete MiDAS training before they use any vehicles. MiDAS provides Rural Lift with the confidence to know that all our drivers drive and care for passengers to a good standard. MiDAS competitions provide the opportunity for awards and trophies. The achievements this year provide Rural Lift the opportunity to promote that “We have the best Drivers in the UK and Ireland”. How great a marketing tool is that!
The trophies fit nicely into our offices. I intend for all titles and trophies to stay within Rural Lift. While I encourage all CTA members to take part in the MiDAS competition our drivers will not be dropping their standards. Out aim is to retain the titles in 2008”.
Kellie Armstrong of CTA NI said “Northern Ireland has promoted driving standards and passenger care as the primary benefits of Community Transport. MiDAS is the measurement of this standard.
I am delighted for the drivers, all the staff of Rural Lift, their manager and Board of Directors. These awards were hard to win. It is a true reflection of the dedication and determination that all Community Transport operators in Northern Ireland have to ensuring that standards are the highest possible.
I am delighted that Northern Ireland is now recognised as having the best MiDAS drivers in the UK and Ireland”.
Bryan Myles, Director of CTA NI agreed “MiDAS has been recognised by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) as playing an important role in improving road safety. Northern Ireland has been particularly receptive to the training approach and ensuring all drivers complete and update their MiDAS training. Northern Ireland enjoys lower insurance premiums as community transport organisations committed to MiDAS have much lower claim percentages.
I congratulate Gerald and Roland and all at Rural Lift. Your achievements have highlighted the commitment throughout Northern Ireland to MiDAS”.
