Alongside the two famed children's animation and comic book-inspired characters, the names "Greenhopper", "Net-Zero Hero", "Pollution Solution", "The Peregreen Falcon", "Eco Eddie" and "The Green Clean Machine", were also chosen for the fleet from a selection offered by students from the University of Cambridge Primary School in a bus naming competition.
The competition invited students from the school in the University-built neighbourhood of Eddington to unleash their imagination. Participants were encouraged to consider factors such as the sustainability benefits and innovative features of the new buses in their naming choices. This initiative aimed to engage young minds in a fun and educational way, while also contributing to the enhancement of public transport within the local community.
Over the past few weeks, the competition captured the attention and enthusiasm of a large number of Eddington school children, attracting well over 100 entries. Their creativity and thoughtfulness were truly remarkable, making the selection process a challenging yet enjoyable task for the judging panel.
The final selection was made by a panel of representatives from the University of Cambridge and Whippet’s parent company, Ascendal Group. The panel carefully evaluated each entry and assessed the names based on originality, relevance, and the potential to resonate with the local community.
“We were overwhelmed by the incredible response from the young participants,” said Nicoletta Gennaro, Ascendal’s Group Head of Marketing. “The names suggested by these talented children were not only impressive but also reflected their deep understanding of our community’s values and aspirations. We are thrilled to involve them in shaping the identity of our new electric buses.”
Winners of the competition received special recognition at a dedicated award ceremony at the University of Cambridge Primary School, where they received prizes from representatives from Whippet and the University.
“We believe that involving the youth in important community projects like this fosters a sense of belonging and ownership,” added Mike Davies, Transport Manager at the University of Cambridge. “Through their contribution, we hope to inspire future generations to actively participate in shaping the development of our city and how we move.”
Both Whippet and the University of Cambridge would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all the participating students and staff at the University of Cambridge Primary School for their invaluable contributions to the competition. The event marks a significant milestone in promoting creativity, community engagement, and the importance of sustainable public transport.
