OXFORD'S two main bus companies have been shortlisted for honours in the prestigious UK Bus Awards.

The rival companies go head-to-head in the showpiece Express Coach Operator of the Year category, the Oxford Bus Company for its Airline service from Oxford to Gatwick and Heathrow, and Stagecoach for its Oxford Tube service to London.

The Oxford Bus Company has also been nominated as Shire Operator of the Year Award, a category for operators with fleets of more than 100 vehicles outside the major urban conurbations, and Stagecoach for its wi-fi Internet connection on the Oxford Tube service.

The awards, now in their twelfth year, aim to "fly the flag of excellence in the UK Bus industry".

Stagecoach spokesman Chris Child said it paid no attention to the fact the city operators were going head-to-head in the awards' most prestigious category.

He said: "Competition keeps us on our toes and means we consistently have to strive to offer the best service we can to customers.

"This is recognition for a team that works hard to deliver a first class service. It will make it interesting on the night."

The need for a scheme to reward and encourage good practice in bus companies was recognised in 1990 when the Association of Metropolitan Authorities launched the Bus Good Practice Awards. The UK Bus Awards have evolved from that.

The Oxford Bus Company was also commended for the introduction of ten buses fitted with environmentally-friendly engines on its airline route.

Louisa Weeks, director and general manager of the Oxford Bus Company, said: "We're delighted our hard work in providing a first class service for the people of Oxford has been acknowledged by the bus industry itself.

"Our fleet is the greenest in the country and our policy of investing in the best possible vehicles has seen passenger numbers grow over the last year. It's nice to see that achievement recognised."

Representatives from the rival companies will attend a gala ceremony in London in November.

Awards chairman John Owen said: "Winners of the UK Bus Awards demonstrate the best the industry has to offer. The aim is...that the bus will be seen as a logical alternative to the car for many journeys - with all the environmental, communal and economic benefits that will bring."