National Transport Awards: Book of WInners 2024 by Passenger Transport Publishing Ltd

NATIONAL TRANSPORT AWARDS BOOK OF WINNERS 2024

National Transport Awards 2024

You make the country work!

What a 12 months! A new Government, epic weather, an upcoming budget, bus and rail reform, tough times for many people as the cost of living soars, riots, staf shortages and spiralling costs - just to mention some of the events bufeting us now.

Through all that transport folk have kept the country moving. They have, among other things, kept the roads and airports open, buses and trains running, trucks rolling, and ferries working. Plus, during the everyday epic of delivering transport that is made to happen every day, they have kept innovating, becoming more diverse and moving ahead.

Simon Lightwood MP, Minister of State for Transport, kicked of the awards night. Simon’s speech set the tone for the evening. Positive, but with tough challenges and choices ahead, I am really confident in the industry folk who are going to deliver all this.

We tend to focus on the kit, track, and roads involved in transport—electric buses, data, bike lanes, AI, signalling—you name it. However, this remains, at heart, a people business. The 250,000 people who work in transport in the UK are the real heart of the industry.

Much transport is delivered by people in unsung rolessome invisible, behind the scenes. Truck and bus drivers. Baggage handlers. Ferry staf gate line staf, civil servants, mechanics and engineers, planners and, yes management. Added together this

army of people are working for a great cause. They make sure the country works. So, great to focus on the people who have made a diference.

Standing ovations at the Awards ceremony (a great night - book a table next year!) for the all important Frontline Employee of the Year category.

Lots of staf deal with fellow humans in all their moods and with all their needs. It can be a bit hairy at times. Managers rarely see these moments of truth when staf go that extra

mile. It’s in that moment that events bring out the best in people.

Plus, a special focus on the Outstanding Personal Contribution to Transport category. Dame Bernadete Kelly CBE, permanent secretary of the Department for Transport was a rightful winner. Combining great ability, total unflappability, and approachability, Berndete is a class act – she has kept the money coming into transport from Treasury and elsewhere

"A big thank you to all the transport people who keep the country moving, fed, clothed and able to get to work. You make the UK and its economy work"

for years and dificult times.

A very special mention and tribute to the late Alan Benson. Alan was a dedicated, personable, articulate and hardworking campaigner for disabled passengers’ rights.

Long may you wheel Alan! Caroline Stickland, CEO of Transport for All, gave a moving tribute on the night and presented the Lifetime Contribution to Transport award to Alan’s partner, Yvonne.

So, a big thank you to all the transport people who keep the country moving, fed, clothed and able to get to work. You make the UK and its economy work.

The National Transport Awards are a celebration of that human endeavour. Well done all, whether you won, were a runner up or entered. Now start your (electric) engines for the National Transport Awards 2025!

Anthony Smith Chair of

the Judging Panel of the National Transport Awards

ENGAGING COMMUNITIES ON SCOTLAND’S RAILWAY

During the delivery of our works across Scotland’s Railway, where we come into contact with thousands of passengers and lineside neighbours each year, we also invest our time in engaging with communities.

In collaboration with our contractor partners, great eforts are made to connect with and support communities to bring about lasting social benefts.

As part of our Access for All (AFA) programme, where improved access helps make our stations more inclusive spaces, during our works at Port Glasgow station we created an informed group. This involved regular contact with the community council as representatives of the wider Port Glasgow community, who had tirelessly championed accessibility improvements in their area.

During the delivery of our AFA works at Uddingston station, we worked with Uddingston Grammar’s vision support team to meet with pupils to enable them to feedback on our project and share their experiences on the changes made to their station.

Over the last year, our maintenance delivery units in Glasgow, Motherwell, Edinburgh and Perth have forged strong community partnerships by supporting primary schools in areas facing signifcant socio-economic challenges.

Through volunteering our time and expertise, we are helping support communities with practical skills and assistance through these partnerships, such as working with primary schools to improve pupils’ cycling safety skills and donating reconditioned bikes.

The construction of outside learning spaces and enhancing playground environments by installing colourful murals that involve the children’s creative input are other examples of where community partnerships are making a diference.

The response has been really positive towards our community partnerships which have engaged with over 1,300 pupils and have also opened up possibilities through STEM events to showcase to students the numerous paths that can lead into a career in the rail industry.

Over the last three years during delivery of the Levenmouth Rail Link in Fife, a huge project that reconnects communities to the railway for the frst time in over 50, this work is transformative as it has the potential to unlock access to education, culture, entertainment and employment opportunities.

From the outset, we sought to build on the sense of ownership and pride the community fostered towards the return of the railway by engaging extensively in volunteering days, safety talks, community initiatives and STEM events that reached over 5,600 school children and 40 local businesses.

The successful outcome of the Levenmouth Rail Skills Academy as part of the project saw all nine young local people who took part successfully secure employment once their training completed.

We are continuing this initiative as part of the legacy program for the East Kilbride Enhancement electrifcation project. Funded through South Lanarkshire Council with the training being delivered by QTS, we’re working in partnership with our contractors to equip participants with the skills and experience required for a future career in the railway.

Scotland’s Railway is so much more than the transportation of people and goods – it is a journey that can generate lasting benefts for the communities it serves long after our work is complete.

Connecting Hampshire | Surrey | West Sussex

Shortlisted for: Bus Operator of the Year Best Bus Service

Stagecoach South is proud to be a fnalist at the National Transport Awards 2024, after another successful year of operation.

We carry over 40 million passengers across our network each year, with a feet of 430 vehicles operating up to 20 million miles across our 8 depots. Find out more about our services, news including our 2023/24 annual report at:

stagecoachbus.com/south

It’s about creating connections

For centuries, transport has driven progress by connecting communities, unlocking opportunities, and fuelling growth. It has shaped not only Britain’s physical landscape but also its cultural, economic, and social fabric. Pioneering innovations have been brought to life by teams of talented individuals, united by the ambition to transform the way we travel. These transport heroes work tirelessly on both visionary projects and everyday improvements, ensuring Britain keeps moving forward.

Government recognises the essential role transport plays in national life, which is why it’s central to our ambitious plans for change. Through our five missions, we will deliver the most significant overhaul of public transport in a generation.

We’re commited to building a unified, simplified rail network that improves services while

"Transport is not just about geting from A to B - it’s about creating connections that strengthen society, and everyone in this book plays a huge role in that"

ofering value for money. By establishing Great British Railways (GBR), we’ll bring together track and train to benefit passengers and freight customers across the country. Our focus extends to other vital areas, from enhancing East-to-West rail connectivity in the North to delivering beter, more accessible bus services. The Buses Bill will empower

local leaders to best meet local needs, bringing opportunity to under-served regions and growing passenger numbers. Together, we’re creating an integrated transport system that works for everyone.

At the heart of this transformation are the people who power the industry. From drivers and engineers to operators and planners, they

make a tangible contribution to enhancing lives and livelihoods across the UK. Their dedication ensures that people and goods reach their destinations safely and eficiently, boosting local economies and supporting communities. Transport is not just about geting from A to Bit’s about creating connections that strengthen society, and

everyone in this book plays a huge role in that.

I’d like to congratulate this year’s winners and express my gratitude to everyone working tirelessly across the industry for their invaluable contributions to transport in the UK.

Simon Lightwood MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport

The sky’s

your limit Go for it. Fly to over 100 destinations worldwide.

Judging panel

Meet our panel of expert judges

Anthony Smith

Chair of the Judging Panel

Anthony is Chair of Independent Rail Retailers and the Heathrow Area Transport Forum. He is also a member of the Afinity Water Independent Consumer Challenge Group.

Formerly, Anthony was Chief Executive of Transport Focus and its predecessor bodies. He also worked at Consumers’ Association and Consumers International. Having studied law, Anthony is also a qualified solicitor.

Louise Collins Director, Transport Focus

Since joining Transport Focus in 2011, Louise has worked in various areas, including geting the best for passengers from the rail franchising process, helping motorway services operators improve their ofering for road users, and working closely with bus partnerships. She is passionate about puting

transport users at the heart of decision-making.

Transport Focus is the transport watchdog. It monitors and gathers evidence of the experience for all users. It uses this analysis and insight to influence transport operators and policymakers.

Stephen Fidler Co-Director for Local Transport, Department for Transport

Stephen is Co-Director for Local Transport at the Department for Transport (DfT), jointly leading the directorate responsible for policy and funding in areas such as local road maintenance, buses, taxis, light rail, inclusive transport, active travel, and local authority transport strategy and funding.

With over 25 years of experience in government transport roles, including at the Department for the Environment and the No 10 Policy Unit, Stephen took on his current role in 2019. Previously, he led DfT’s client team for Highways England. He was awarded an OBE in 2019 for services to transport, serves as the UK’s First Delegate to the World Road Association (PIARC), and chairs the UK Roads Leadership Group.

Daisy Narayanan the is Director of Public Realm at The Crown Estate. Previously, she led on transport and placemaking as Head of Placemaking and Mobility at the City of Edinburgh Council. She sits on the Board of Architecture & Design Scotland, the Evidence Group for Scotland’s Climate Assembly, and the Scotish Transport Awards judging panel. Daisy was recently named Civic Servant of the Year by the Academy of Urbanism.

Jo Field President of Women in Transport & Chief Executive of JFG Communications

Jo is President of Women in Transport and Chief Executive of JFG Communications, a consultancy focused on stakeholder engagement, political communications, diversity, and decarbonisation in

the transport sector. She has nearly 20 years of experience and helps companies engage stakeholders and influence public policy. Jo previously led Transport for London’s awardwinning stakeholder engagement team. She co-authored Women in Transport’s 2021 gender report and was key in establishing the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Women in Transport.

disabled-led group in the UK. It advocates for access to all transport modes and streetspaces and champions the rights of disabled and older people.

Max Sugarman Chief Executive, ITS (UK)

As CEO of Transport for All, Caroline leads the organisation’s mission to remove barriers to travel for Deaf, disabled, and older people across the UK. She brings her lived experience as a disabled person and an academic focus on health, impairment, and disability to her role. In addition to overseeing advice, community support, and policy initiatives, Caroline developed the Access Partner consultancy service, which provides disabled-led consultancy to the transport sector and promotes beter engagement with disabled people by decision-makers. Transport for All is the only pan-impairment,

Max Sugarman is the Chief Executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK, representing the transport technology sector. With nearly a decade of experience in transport, innovation, and communications, he previously worked at the Catapult Network, supporting policy and political engagement, and as the Public Afairs and PR Director at the Railway Industry Association.

Max has also worked at the Institution of Civil Engineers, in corporate communications based in the City of London, and in government roles in the UK and US. He has a diploma in professional PR, is a Chartered PR Practitioner and has been Chair of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Public Afairs Group since 2021. Max is passionate about transport and the role it plays in people’s lives, in supporting economic growth and reaching Net Zero.

Daisy Narayanan MBE Director of Public Realm, The Crown Estate

Caroline Stickland Chief Executive, Transport for All

Crossrail/Elizabeth Line was the winner of the Rail Operator of the Year award

A selection of our winners...

Lothian Buses, Edinburgh’s council-own bus company, was Bus Operator of the Year

David Copley, a bus driver at First Bus, was named Frontline Employee of the Year

The launch of the Luton Airport Express won Best Alliance/Collaboration of the Year

Leeds City Square won the Exemplary approach to Active Travel & Public Space award

Stockport Interchange was named Engineering & Construction Project of the Year

McGill’s Bus Group won Best Bus Service for its popular Glasgow Nightbus

Excellence in Road Safety, Traf ic Management and Enforcement

A submission in this category should demonstrate:

Examples of speed management, road safety education, road space reallocation projects (for example towards providing bus or cycle lanes or pedestrian/people space), paving and parking strategies and enforcement, and road pricing schemes.

Results such casualty reduction, improved journey reliability, modal shift and/or increase in patronage levels, active travel take-up, slower speeds, and congestion reduction.

WINNER

STAGECOACH SOUTH EAST

Service Delivery Initiatives in Kent and East Sussex - On Board CEOs and Kent Streetworks

During the past year, Stagecoach South East (SSE) has concentrated on enhancing service delivery across its networks, focusing on trafic management and enforcement. A key aspect of this efort has been addressing illegal and inconsiderate parking, which significantly disrupts bus services. Such parking infringements hinder drivers’ ability to maintain schedules and, in extreme cases, can result in lengthy diversions or prevent passengers from safely boarding and alighting.

In response, SSE has collaborated with On-bus Civil Enforcement Oficers (CEOs) to introduce a new system called the ‘Relay the

Delay’ portal. This platform allows drivers to report instances of illegal and inconsiderate parking in real time, enabling CEOs to target specific areas with enforcement action. This approach allows SSE to monitor parking restrictions actively and liaise with local councillors to implement further controls in areas that consistently face parking issues.

Over eight months, SSE’s collaboration with on-bus CEOs resulted in the issuance of approximately 200 penalty charge notices. Additionally, four new yellow lines were painted, three new bus stop restrictions were enforced, and two new bus plates were introduced. In cases where vehicles were not subject to enforcement, drivers were educated about the impact of their parking practices. One bus driver likened the presence of an onboard CEO to having “a magician onboard” due to the immediate resolution of issues.

One notable example of this initiative’s success is Meads Street in Eastbourne, where vehicles were frequently parked at bus stops due to an insuficient 7 am to 7 pm parking restriction. Following CEO recommendations, the council introduced a 24-hour parking restriction, improving reliability for Meads Street bus services.

In addition to parking enforcement, SSE has also addressed the challenges posed by roadworks, which can cause diversions and congestion, impacting service reliability. For instance, Southern Gas Network (SGN) proposed a four-month road closure along the A28, a key bus corridor in Thanet. SSE worked with SGN to modify the

roadworks plan, minimising the disruption to bus routes while ensuring the work was completed within the scheduled timeframe. SSE has taken proactive steps to improve bus service reliability and safety across its network by focusing on parking enforcement and efective trafic management.

Highly commended:

Transport for West Midlands - M5 Junction 1 Works

Other shortlisted entries:

East Dunbartonshire Council and Stantec: Canniesburn Toll Active Travel Accessibility

Clearview Intelligence Ltd: A78 Steventson to Eglington Toll Speed Class Scheme Arriva UK Bus: Stop and Stay road safety campaign

Aberdeen City Council: Aberdeen City Centre Bus Priority Improvements

Previous winners:

2023: Stagecoach East: Intelligent Speed Assist

2019: Hackney Council - Hackney School Streets & Scotland TranServ Strategic Road Safety Team - Saving Lives through Innovation

2018: Essex County Council, Extra Eyes, the Safer Essex Roads Partnership

2017: Wirral Council, Mind Your Business

2016: Transport for London, Safer Lorry Scheme

Exemplary approach to Active Travel & Public Space

Sponsored by

A submission in this category should demonstrate:

Improvements to public space and the street environment in terms of appearance (high quality materials, design sensitive to local culture and heritage, green infrastructure and planting etc)

Evidence the scheme has led to either: safety improvements, uptake of active travel, improvements to business and cultural oferings, reduced congestion, reduced air pollution etc

WINNER

LEEDS CITY COUNCIL

Leeds City Square

The City Square Scheme in Leeds focuses on the public space adjacent to The Queens Hotel, Channel 4, several historic listed buildings, and the main railway station in Leeds. As a key thoroughfare for pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and previously cars, the area was frequently congested, resulting in delays for motorists and bus users, poor air quality, and an unpleasant environment.

Data revealed that around 30% of car trips passing through City Square were not destined for the city centre but rather the

northern outskirts, highlighting the need for these vehicles to use more strategically appropriate routes. The scheme aimed to address this by reallocating road space for bus infrastructure, pedestrian and cycling facilities, and enhanced public space, ultimately creating a more inviting city centre for residents and visitors.

A key feature of the transformation is the introduction of four new city centre bus gates, which prioritise around 44 bus services daily, accommodating over 2,000 buses. In addition, 20 secure Shefield cycle stands have been installed, along with two banks of docking stations for Leeds City Bikes, promoting active travel in the area.

The newly designed space has not only facilitated successful events, including the Leeds Christmas Markets and Leeds Light Night, but also significantly reduced trafic in City Square and on surrounding streets. This reduction has opened up opportunities for further road space reallocation to support active travel and public space creation, relieving the area from the burden of congestion and paving the way for a more sustainable and enjoyable urban environment.

Local businesses have shown interest in expanding outdoor oferings or establishing new ones, capitalising on increased footfall and the area's shift from a transport hub to a social and cultural space. While specific data on air quality improvements has not been mentioned, the reduction in trafic has likely contributed positively in this regard.

Overall, the City Square Scheme has been a resounding success, transforming the space and enhancing the city centre’s appeal.

Highly commended:

Gloucestershire County Council: Gloucestershire Cycle spine

Other shortlisted entries:

Aberdeenshire Council

Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership: HI-BIKE

Salford City Council: Traford Road

Improvements

Transport for Greater ManchesterChorlton Cycleway

Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Council & AECOM: Liveable Neighbourhoods Programme

Previous winners:

2023: Glasgow City Council – Ultra Smart Cycle System

2019: Aberdeenshire Council - Integrated Travel Town Masterplan Project Approach

2018: Transport for Greater Manchester & Manchester City Council, Wilmslow Road and Oxford Road Cycleway

2017: Salford City Council, Salford's Trafic-free Routes

2016: Leicester City Council – Pedestrian and cycling links in the city council

Best Practice in Diversity, Inclusivity and Accessibility

A submission in this category should demonstrate:

Inclusive design and engagement

Evidence of improvements for a transport service or facility

Introduction of a new policy or training aimed at improving diversity, inclusivity or accessibility

WINNER

BRIGHTON & HOVE BUSES

Trailblazers in accessibility

Brighton & Hove Buses is recognised as a trailblazer in the field of accessible transport. It holds a unique position as the only bus company to be accredited by the Department for Transport (DfT) as a Level 3 Inclusive Transport Leader, the highest accolade in this category. In addition, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has awarded B&HB Level 2 status as a disability-confident employer. The company was also the first to receive recognition from Brighton & Hove City Council as an age and dementia-friendly business.

Brighton & Hove’s approach to accessibility includes innovations such as dementia-friendly flooring, which has gained widespread adoption. This feature, first introduced by Brighton & Hove, has been incorporated by the Rail Delivery Group and is now the standard policy for procuring new trains. Brighton & Hove’s expertise has also played a pivotal role in creating the DfT-funded Transport for All guidance for

frontline bus staf on best practices for accessibility. The company’s accessibility lead was seconded to the DfT to share her knowledge and was awarded an MBE for her contributions to public transport accessibility.

Brighton & Hove has implemented a three-tier culture change programme centred on accessibility. Tier 1 requires leadership engagement, as demonstrated by Managing Director Ed Wills, who completed his accessibility training shortly after taking on the role. Tier 2 focuses on the involvement of individuals with lived experience of accessibility needs in policy and design, supported by B&HB’s dedicated accessibility team. Tier 3 integrates accessibility into the company’s broader change management strategies.

The company has established a reputation for its accessibility standards. All staf are trained to MyGuide Level 1 and as Dementia Friends. Continuous professional development in accessibility is provided alongside initiatives like the Helping Hand and wheelchair taxi guarantee schemes. Brighton & Hove’s buses feature next-stop audio-visual announcements; all stops are designated as ‘not request’ stops. The company also recently completed the firstever accessibility audit of 2,000 bus stops.

Brighton & Hove’s fleet at the Newhaven depot includes 44 buses equipped with dementia-friendly moquete paterns, two wheelchair bays, manual ramps, and improved destination screens. The company also runs a confidence-building travel programme, using a repurposed high street

travel centre as a community hub, complete with a model bus cab designed to build travel confidence among passengers with accessibility needs. This programme extends to schoolchildren as part of a partnership with Brighton Pavilion.

Highly commended:

Dundee City Council: The Fourth Hub and Retractable Chargers

Other shortlisted entries:

Transport for London: Equity in Motion, Transport for London’s plan to create a fairer, accessible and more inclusive transport network

Network Rail: Piccadilly Station assisted travel lounge

Transport for Greater Manchester: A Co-design approach to making Customer Information more inclusive and accessible

Avanti West Coast - Feel Good Field Trips

First Bus & Women in Transport: Inclusive Cab Summit

Trenitalia c2c: c2Sanitary: From concept to creation (moved from Alliance/ Collaboration)

Transport for Wales - Application Support Team

Leeds City Council - Connecting Leeds for All

Previous winners:

2023: City of London Corporation: The City of London Street Accessibility Tool (CoLSAT)

Digital and Technology Excellence in Transport

A submission in this category should demonstrate use of technologies or digitalisation to assist in the transport planning, running, marketing or monitoring of transport operations and usage.

WINNER TRANSPORT FOR WEST MIDLANDS

Transport for West Midlands Drone Network

Transport for West Midlands has established a unique in-house drone team that has efectively demonstrated the utility of drones in providing cost-efective solutions, reducing operational expenses, and enhancing productivity. The team has successfully completed over 125 missions, engaging in various activities such as livestreaming congestion, conducting trafic surveys, and performing infrastructure assessments.

Historically, specialist drone services were outsourced to external companies, incurring significant costs. However, establishing an in-house team has led to a notable increase in awareness regarding the beneficial applications of drones within the transport sector. For instance, in response to widespread congestion in the Digbeth area, where CCTV coverage was absent, the drone team was deployed to stream live images

to the control room, allowing a panoramic view of the area, leading to the rapid identification of cars queuing to enter a full car park which were obstructing a yellow box junction.

The drone has also been instrumental in capturing data related to illegal right turns and creating a baseline evaluation of road trafic before major infrastructure works in central Birmingham. This data collection will aid in assessing the efectiveness of trafic management measures during construction.

One significant drone application occurred at Junction 1 of the M5, where live streaming provided a comprehensive view of the gyratory and its approaches. This capability enabled trafic engineers to identify the underlying causes of congestion, ultimately facilitating improvements in trafic signal timings. As a result, performance through the gyratory has significantly improved, with bus journey times reduced by 13%.

Furthermore, the utilisation of a camera drone for data gathering during peak morning and evening hours has yielded significant cost savings, as it replaces the need for four fixed cameras positioned at ground level. The drone’s aerial perspective captures comprehensive flow images through the entire junction, which can subsequently be analysed using artificial intelligence software.

Overall, the initiatives undertaken by the drone team at Transport for West Midlands

underscore the significant advancements in operational eficiency and trafic management made possible through the adoption of drone technology.

Highly commended:

Transport for London: Smart Stations

Other shortlisted entries:

Transport UK London Bus: Embracing Blink’s digital app to build inclusive employee engagement

MTR Elizabeth line: Crew Displacement Management Tool

Stadler Rail Service UK: Independently Powered Electric Multiple Units for Liverpool City Region

HITRANS: Sustainable Aviation Test

Environment

Network Rail: Remote Disconnection Device

Solent Transport: Breeze – The UK's First Multi-City MaaS App

LNER: Automatic Deer Deterrent System

Southeastern: Digital Excellence at Southeastern Trains

Blackpool Transport & City Swift – Routes Reimagined with AI Network Design

Previous winners:

2023:BT: BT’s Active Intelligence & Network Rail transforming UK railways

Design, Engineering & Construction Project of the Year

A submission in this category should demonstrate one or more of the following: inclusive and sustainable design comprehensive stakeholder and/or community engagement technical innovation demonstrable improvements to the operation of the infrastructure/ network being completed within cost and budget sustainable materials and construction methods

WINNER TRANSPORT FOR GREATER MANCHESTER

Stockport Interchange

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has recently completed Stockport Interchange, a modern transport hub with a strong focus on active travel and multi-modal connectivity that contributes to the town’s regeneration. Oficially opened in March 2023, the interchange positions Stockport as one of the most well-connected areas in the region. The project integrates transport and residential development alongside a new public park, reflecting an innovative approach to urban regeneration and infrastructure investment.

This major £140 million scheme was delivered on time and within budget through collaboration between TfGM, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC), the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), contractor Willmot

Dixon, and development partner CityRise. The facility is connected to Stockport railway station by a 38-metre bridge and to the town centre and Trans-Pennine Trail via a park and spiral ramp that crosses the River Mersey, addressing challenges posed by level diferences between the interchange, station, and town.

A notable feature of the development is the 0.8-hectare park located on the interchange’s roof, which enhances green space in the urban area. Adjacent to the interchange, a multi-storey residential building has been constructed, ofering 196 one—and two-bedroom furnished rental apartments alongside 780 square metres of commercial space. The project forms a key part of Stockport’s wider town centre regeneration.

The interchange has already experienced significantly higher use levels than the 1981 bus station it replaced. A total of 18 bus stands accommodate up to 164 departures per hour, supporting a much-improved passenger experience. Key features include a covered concourse, a ticket and information desk, fully accessible toilets, step-free access, and tactile stand indicators, ensuring accessibility for all.

Sustainability is a priority of the interchange’s design and construction. Optimising beams and foundations reduced concrete usage, efectively eliminating embodied carbon equivalent to 25 years of operational energy consumption. This reflects TfGM’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of transport infrastructure projects.

Highly commended:

National Highways: A452/M42 Emergency Bridge Demolition (moved from Collaboration/Alliance)

Gatwick Airport: redevelopment of London Gatwick’s railway station

Other shortlisted entries:

Stephen George + Partners LLP: Halifax Bus Station Redevelopment

Network Rail: Glasgow Barrhead Electrification Project

Amey: Transforming the Core Valley Lines – The Craidd Alliance (Transport for Wales, Amey Infrastructure Wales, Alun Grifiths Ltd., Balfour Beaty and Siemens)

Stadler Rail Service UK: New Gosforth Depot, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Network Rail & AtkinsRéalis: Feltham to Wokingham resignalling programme

Transport for West Midlands: University Railway Station

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority - Headbolt Lane Station

Previous winners:

2023: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority: Class 777 Fleet Replacement

2019: Highways England – M1 Junction 19 improvement scheme

2018: FCBC and Transport Scotland, Queensferry Crossing

2017: Transport for Greater Manchester, Second City Crossing

2016: Mace and Atkins- Birmingham New Street Station

Best Bus Service

A submission in this category should demonstrate how changes to, or the introduction of a new, bus service and facilities have brought about improvements including an increase in passenger numbers, modal shift, improved customer satisfaction ratings; or improved reliability.

WINNER

MCGILL'S BUS GROUP

Glasgow Nightbus

In July 2023, Glasgow faced a significant reduction in public transport services when the major operator announced the withdrawal of the city’s only night bus network due to low post-pandemic customer numbers. With Glasgow’s Subway and suburban trains ceasing operations by midnight, night buses had been the sole means of late-night public transport. The decision raised concerns from the Night Time Industries Association Scotland and the Poverty Alliance regarding the safety of thousands of night workers and patrons returning home in the early hours.

To address this, McGill’s, the UK’s largest privately-owned bus operator, collaborated with bar and club owners to reinstate night bus services. A review was conducted to identify measures Glasgow City Council could implement to support improved night-time bus services. Following discussions with First Bus, a full night bus

network was relaunched in late August 2023, ofering a simplified and more regular timetable. The response exceeded expectations, with over 17,000 customer journeys recorded within the first six months.

McGill’s implemented a series of partnerships with local night-time venues to promote the Nightbus service. These initiatives included displaying Nightbus route information on screens inside bars and clubs, branded McGill’s Nightbus beer mats, and ofering travel discounts for bar and club staf. The service adopted the slogan “We stay out as late as you,” emphasising its commitment to supporting Glasgow’s nighttime economy.

The new McGill’s Nightbus service operates on five routes, running every hour after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with last buses departing the city centre at 3:45 am. A suite of simplified fare options was introduced, including the “Nightsaver,” which ofers unlimited rides after 6 pm and throughout the night. Additionally, passengers could purchase a bundle of five journeys via the McGill’s app or benefit from a 40% discount when using valid day, week, or season tickets.

McGill’s Nightbus network is the UK’s only fully electric night bus network. By identifying market needs and engaging with local businesses, McGill’s has restored essential night-time transport services in Glasgow, ensuring workers and patrons can access safe and reliable transport while supporting the local economy.

Highly commended: Brighton & Hove Buses: Regency Route

Other shortlisted entries:

Transport for Wales: Traws Cymru T1

Stagecoach East Scotland: Dundee to St Andrews on Service 99

Go South Coast Ltd: Bluestar 2going for growth

Stagecoach South: Stagecoach route 23

Arriva UK Bus: Greenline 757

Whippet: Universal - Suitable For All

Stagecoach East: MK1

Notinghamshire County Council: Notinghamshire's Student Public Transport Scheme

Stagecoach West

Previous winners:

2023: Flixbus

2019: Liverpool City Region Bus Alliance: Bucking the trend: delivering growth in partnership

2018: Liverpool City Region Bus Alliance: Bucking the trend: delivering growth in partnership

2017: Transport for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester's Bus Priority Package

2016: LibertyBus Jersey

2016: Leicester City Council –Pedestrian and cycling links in the city council

Airport of the Year

A submission in this category should demonstrate some or all of the following:

Improvement in overall performance or provision of facilities over the past 12 months.

KPIs and customer satisfaction results

Evidence of accessibility provision and/or improvements

Evidence of carbon reduction strategies and results

Success of surface access transport initiatives

Evidence of skills, training and apprenticeships

LONDON STANSTED AIRPORT

London Stansted Airport has emerged as the first major UK airport to surpass its pre-pandemic passenger numbers, accommodating a record 28.5 million passengers in the 12 months leading up to March 2024, reflecting an increase of 11.8%. The airport reports the most consistent aircraft on-time performance (OTP) among London airports, alongside the lowest levels of on-airport delays. Security wait times have been notable, with 99% of passengers processed in under 15 minutes and average processing times falling below five minutes. A recent survey involving 60,000 passengers

indicated that 70% rated Stansted positively. Stansted’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its high national rating for assisted travel services from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and its recognition as the runner-up at the International Ozion Airport Accessibility Awards. The airport’s eforts to promote sustainable surface access, with 48% of passengers using such modes, is the highest among major UK airports. This is partly due to the restoration of four trains per hour on the Stansted Express.

The airport’s pioneering electric coach trial and the establishment of new community rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers further demonstrate our dedication to sustainability.

Stansted is making substantial progress towards its decarbonisation targets, aiming for Net Zero operations by 2038. Notably, the airport houses its own onsite further education college, which has achieved record numbers of apprentices entering employment within the aviation sector.

The Aerozone initiative, aimed at school engagement, has become so popular that 100 schools are currently on the waiting list. The Airport Academy, which ofers job fairs and free courses for adult jobseekers, has doubled in size over recent years.

Stansted Airport is deeply commited to its local community. It actively supports local businesses through regular Meet The Buyer events and has established a new Community Fund, which has donated over

£180,000 to local projects. Airport leaders have engaged in community volunteering initiatives, with 95% participation. It has also seen a significant increase in colleague engagement, with over 73% of all staf participating in the most recent survey, a rise from 49% in October 2023. Participation in colleague resource groups has surged by 181%. Moreover, our partnership with Fantasy Wings, an organisation focused on enhancing diversity within the aviation sector, is a testament to our commitment to community engagement.

Highly commended:

Glasgow Airport

Other shortlisted entries:

London Luton Airport

Edinburgh Airport Limited

East Midlands Airport

Liverpool John Lennon Airport

Aberdeen International Airport

Previous winners:

2023: Aberdeen International Airport

2019: Heathrow Airport Limited - Heathrow Terminal 5

2018: Edinburgh Airport

2017: London Gatwick Airport

2016: Heathrow T2

WINNER

London Stansted Winner of the NTA Airport of the Year

AIRPORT OF THE YEAR

Record 28.5m passengers (+11.8%)

200+ destinations to Europe and beyond

Planning permission for a landmark terminal expansion

99% of passengers through security in under 15 minutes

Leading in sustainable surface access

Exemplary contribution to Net Zero

A submission in this category should demonstrate how the organisation/team has implemented policies, campaigns or technologies to help tackle the climate emergency, achieve net zero emissions or increase resilience to climate change.

WINNER LONDON BOROUGH OF HACKNEY

Hackney’s Boroughwide Transport Projects Contribution to Net Zero

In 2023, Hackney Council introduced a comprehensive Climate Action Plan to coordinate climate-related initiatives across all departments. The plan outlines ambitious targets for achieving a greener borough by 2030, focusing on reducing motor trafic and promoting zero-emission vehicles. As part of this efort, the council has expanded its provision of zero-emission car club vehicles, introduced emissionsbased parking permits, and implemented subsidised charging tarifs for residents using electric vehicles.

Hackney has introduced 19 new LowTrafic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and 52 School Streets, which involve closing roads outside schools during peak hours. These measures aim to reduce trafic congestion and improve schoolchildren’s safety. Hackney currently leads the UK in the number of LTNs and School Streets. All schemes have been

introduced on a trial basis with extensive consultation with local residents.

The Healthy Streets initiative has also been rolled out across the borough, incorporating the largest network of secure cycle hangars in the UK, replacing car parking spaces. By 2026, Hackney plans to install 675 additional cycle hangars. The council has planted 5,000 new street trees and created 12 new parklets in line with its greening initiatives.

Electric vehicle infrastructure is a key part of Hackney’s strategy to reduce road transport emissions, which still account for 25% of the borough’s CO2 output. The council aims to install over 2,500 new electric vehicle charging points by 2026, resulting in one of the densest charging networks in the country.

Trafic reduction has already shown significant results in Hackney’s four largest LTNs, where trafic levels have dropped by 56%. While many local authorities have seen trafic levels return to pre-pandemic numbers, Hackney is one of just seven areas nationwide to record a reduction in overall trafic in the most recent year.

Hackney is also exceeding its targets in terms of active travel. According to the most recent London Travel Demand Survey, active travel trips originating in the borough now account for 64% of all trips, surpassing the target of 59% set for 2030 by seven years. These eforts reflect Hackney’s commitment to reaching its climate and transport objectives.

Highly commended:

FlixBus UK & Newport Transport: England and Wales's first long-distance electric coach service

Other shortlisted entries:

Hitachi Rail

Southeastern

First Bus East of England: The electrification of Roundtree Way Depot, Norwich, the new home of England’s first fully electric commercial bus network outside of London

McGill’s Bus Group

Stagecoach (West Scotland)

TfL: TfL’s Bus Decarbonisation Journey

Dundee City Council: Clepington Road and Marchbanks

Brighton & Hove Buses: Metrobus: Pioneering one of the biggest fleets of hydrogen buses in the UK

Zenobe: EV Collaboration between Zenobe and Notingham City Transport

Previous winners:

2023: Glasgow City Council – Ultra Smart Cycle System

2019: Transport for London - Low Emission Bus Zone

2018: NATS, Acting Responsibly

2017: First Bus drives a more sustainable future

2016: First Group – Bristol 2015 European Green Capital

Best Alliance/Collaboration of the Year

A submission in this category should demonstrate: evidence of partnership-working evidence of how it has delivered timely, eficient and successful outcomes of a scheme or service

evidence of how it has allowed a successful approach to be applied to a given transport issue, need or policy approach.

WINNER

EAST MIDLANDS RAILWAY (EMR), LONDON LUTON AIRPORT (LLA) AND LUTON RISING

Working in collaboration to launch the Luton Airport Express

East Midlands Railway (EMR), in partnership with London Luton Airport (LLA) and Luton Rising, has established a rapid rail connection from central London to London Luton Airport, enabling journeys in as litle as 32 minutes. The Luton DART shutle, which began operations in March 2023, provides a four-minute transfer from Luton Airport Parkway station to the terminal, replacing a slower diesel bus service.

The introduction of the DART allowed EMR to enhance rail connectivity to LLA, addressing Luton’s historically low rail share compared to other London airports. EMR capitalised on this opportunity by integrating its fast electric train services with the new shutle, launching the ‘Luton Airport Express’. This service ofers two trains per hour from central London

for a £10 fare.

The primary goal of all involved parties has been to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers, involving collaboration on consistent messaging throughout the customer journey, encompassing advertising, station and airport terminal signage, and online interactions. The newly introduced Luton Airport Express marketing campaign achieved significant reach, garnering 15 million adult views on ITV London, 13 million views on Facebook and Instagram, and 16 million audio impressions on radio. A YouGov survey indicated a brand awareness score of 44% for the newly introduced service, with spontaneous awareness reaching 5% within the first six weeks.

By the end of its first year, EMR reported a 52% increase in rail journeys, with over 2.5 million trips recorded to Luton Airport, boosting rail share from 14% to 16%. A survey indicated that consideration of rail for airport travel rose from 12% to 20%, reflecting the campaign’s positive impact.

Highly commended:

Translink and Golden Thread Gallery: York Street Station - transforming North Belfast through Transport & Art Collaboration

Other shortlisted entries:

First Bus West of England: First Bus partnership with Suicide Prevention UK Transport Scotland: UCI Cycling World Championships Event Planning and Delivery

Transport for Wales & Coleg y Cymoedd - Driver Apprenticeship Programme

Southeastern: Southeastern Trains and Network Rail Kent route Alliance

Gloucestershire County Council, Padam Mobility and Podaris: The Robin DRT scheme

Great Western Railway(GWR), Devon County Council (DCC) & Network Rail Western (NRW): Working Together to Develop an Integrated Transport Network

National Express UK: National Express West Midlands and Edgbaston Stadium Go Green Game

Arriva UK Bus: Leighton’s Buses – a partnership between Arriva UK Bus, Central Bedfordshire Council, Arnold White Estates, and London Northwestern Railway Community Transport Association & Hampshire County Council

Blink & Arriva: Digital-first employee experience platform for Arriva’s workforce

Previous winners:

2023: Cornwall Council: Transport for Cornwall Partnership (Cornwall bus operators, GWR and Cornwall Council)

2019: Network Rail, Southeastern and GTR - One Team Approach

2018: Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority, Monarch – How the CAA and DfT led Britain's largest peacetime repatriation

2017: The Liverpool City Region Bus Alliance (Stagecoach, Arriva and Merseytravel)

2016: West Yorkshire Combined Authority - travel2train

Campaign of the Year

A submission in this category should demonstrate evidence of either a marketing or promotional campaign; behavioural change campaign; a PR campaign; or a lobbying/political campaign that delivered a successful outcome. Useful statistical or anecdotal metrics to include could be campaign reach, take-up, coverage, funding or a positive policy decision.

WINNER TRANSPORT FOR WALES

'No Second Chances'

Transport for Wales (TfW) has been installing overhead electrification across 170km of railway track as part of the South Wales Metro project. Trespassing has been a longstanding issue on the rail network in the Valleys, and the work has introduced new risks due to the electrified lines. To address this, TfW designed a behavioural change campaign to reduce trespass incidents. Over a six-month period, TfW meticulously gathered insights to understand its target audience, which was identified as males aged between 13 and 24. The goal was to engage this demographic in a way that resonated with them. TfW’s unique approach was to focus on the concept of consequences, drawing inspiration from the trend of pre-loved clothing. This led to the launch of the ‘No Second Chances’ campaign, a creative strategy that

subverted the concept of second chances by highlighting that there are no second chances when it comes to trespassing on electrified railway lines. The campaign presented clothing items as belonging to individuals who had tragically lost their lives while trespassing on railways.

Over 12 months, TfW developed a bilingual advertising campaign, including town centre and billboard advertisements, as well as extensive social media outreach. Meanwhile, TfW distributed flyers containing impactful imagery and QR codes linking to further information to homes within 200 metres of the railway. Campaign posters were also displayed at all 52 stations along the electrified routes. Additionally, TfW collaborated with social media influencers, each with over 10,000 young male followers, to further amplify the message.

The campaign atracted significant media atention, including coverage on BBC, ITV, and various radio stations. A local drama company was appointed to deliver workshops in 104 schools, engaging 11,800 pupils on the dangers of railway trespass. In Rail Safety Week, TfW hosted a ‘pop-up shop’ exhibition in Cardif, where 200 children from across the Valleys visited to participate in interactive activities. These included games where children learned about the consequences of trespassing through stories linked to burnt clothing. Paralympian Nathan Stephens, who lost his legs in a railway accident, also shared his personal experience through social media content.

In addition, TfW worked with social services and local rugby clubs to educate mentors, ensuring the message was passed on organically through their work with young people. The campaign led to a 17% increase in awareness of the new electrified lines and a 40% reduction in trespass incidents across 2023 and the first quarter of 2024.

Other shortlisted entries:

Transport for London: Making the Elizabeth line the transport of choice at Heathrow Govia Thameslink Railway: ‘Keep Of The Track’ track – a lifesaving earworm

North East Combined Authority: Get 'Round for a Pound

Go East Anglia: Generation Go!

West Yorkshire Combined Authority: Walk it Ride It

Northern Trains: Buy Before You Board: Northern Trains Revenue Protection Campaign

Campaign for Beter Transport: Don't cut the card

megabus: Let megabus drive you theremegabus Christmas marketing campaign

Lothian Buses – Jason’s Journey (moved from Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion)

Stagecoach North Scotland – Aviemore Adventurer

Previous winners:

2023: Avanti West Coast: Campaign to increase new female driver recruits

Dyw rhoi’r fidil yn y to ddim yn opsiwn.

Rydym yn gweithio’n ddiﬂino i wneud eich rhwydwaith trafnidiaeth y gorau y gall fod.

We’re not the giving up type.

And we’re working tirelessly to make your transport network the best it can be.

Enillwyr balch Gwobr Trafnidiaeth Genedlaethol

Proud winners of a National Transport Award

Ni yw’r dyfal doncwyr We’ll do what it takes

Outstanding Contribution to Transport

This prestigious award honours those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication in improving transport infrastructure, services, and sustainability.

WINNER BERNADETTE KELLY

Bernadete Kelly became Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport on 18 April 2017.

From September 2015 to April 2017, Bernadete Kelly was Director General, Rail Group in DfT. Prior to that she was a Director General at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) from April 2010.

Bernadete joined the Civil Service after graduating. She has spent most of her career working on public policy in relation to business and the economy. She has led work in government to reform the planning regime for major infrastructure; boost housing supply; establish the Competition and Markets Authority; strengthen utility

regulation; reform corporate governance; and on industrial strategy and local growth and devolution.

In addition to DfT and BIS, Bernadete has worked in the Department for Communities and Local Government, HM Treasury, the Cabinet Ofice and the Prime Minister’s Policy Unit; as well as on secondment to ICI plc.

Bernadete was awarded a Damehood (DCB) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2022. Prior, Bernadete was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 2010.

Lifetime Contribution to Transport

This award celebrates the exceptional contributions of those who have dedicated their lives to advancing and shaping transport with an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and progress.

WINNER

ALAN BENSON MBE

Alan Benson was a campaigner and ambassador for the disabled community. His work has had a lasting impact not only on transport accessibility but also on the entire disabled community. Those who worked with him said this was a result of his charisma and commitment, alongside a unique and admirable approach to diplomacy. He has left a legacy of successful campaigns, many of which were won behind the scenes, where he persuaded industry colleagues to adopt an inclusive approach to transport design.

Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at a young age, Alan moved to London in 2012. Alan, a wheelchair user, had firsthand experience of the transport system’s shortcomings for disabled people. His personal encounter with being stranded on a platform in the lead-up to the Paralympic Games was a turning point. Despite lacking prior activism experience, he emerged

as a prominent figure, engaging in media interviews and parliamentary discussions on transport accessibility.

Alan’s advocacy for disability rights gained prominence in the London Borough of Richmond, where he began campaigning for improved disabled access. He co-founded the Campaign for Level Boarding in 2019, a group focusing on railway accessibility, and was recognised in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list the same year. His eforts included an extensive survey of London’s step-free access stations on the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with

Disabilities.

Benson also served as a Co-Chair of Trustees for Transport for All, advocating for improved transport access, including eforts to make the Crossrail project more accessible to disabled individuals. He also co-chaired the Department for Transport’s inclusive transport stakeholder group, was deputy chair of London TravelWatch, and sat on the board of the South Western Railway.

In 2022, Alan’s contributions were recognised in the New Year’s Honours list, in which he was awarded an MBE for services to Public Transport for Disabled People.

Alan, upon receiving the MBE, highlighted the importance of collaboration in his work: “This has been one of my main takeaways from the past decade. Often, we spend so much time fighting for basic rights that it can be incredibly frustrating and demoralising. And these are the times when we need to look around at our successes, and find power and energy from the people around us. What we achieve, we achieve together. When you look at all of our real successes, like Crossrail for example, the number of people who contributed to that efort is huge.

“Nothing I’ve done in the last 12 years I’ve done alone. Everything I’ve done has been in partnership or with the support of other campaigners, organisations, charities, transport operators, and allies.”

Ferry Operator of the Year

A submission in this category should demonstrate:

Range of initiatives that the operator has been involved in to improve services and facilities

Evidence of performance, passenger growth, customer satisfaction, marketing, carbon reduction

WINNER

WIGHTLINK FERRIES

Wightlink, a prominent ferry operator, is recognised for its comprehensive performance across various metrics, contributing to its accolade as Gold winner in the British Travel Awards for Best UK Ferry Operator 2023, an honour determined solely by customer votes. The operator demonstrates notable strengths in patronage growth, sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), alongside customer and staf satisfaction, robust industrial relations, and commitment to the local supply chain and community initiatives. As the leading ferry operator in the Solent, Wightlink transports over 3.8

million passengers annually between the Isle of Wight and ports in Portsmouth and Lymington, operating more than 100 sailings daily. The operator’s reliability and punctuality are exemplary, with revenues recovering to pre-COVID levels. In 2023, turnover increased from £71 million to £78.7 million, with 99% of sailings conducted as scheduled and 96% departing on time. Customer feedback from post-travel surveys indicates a satisfaction level of 96.4%.

Wightlink plays a crucial role in freight transportation to the Isle of Wight, holding a market share of 54.6%. The operator is distinguished by its industry-leading salaries and seasonal employment, hiring up to an additional 600 staf members during the summer months. Long-term employment is a hallmark of Wightlink, as evidenced by the 15 long service awards presented in FY2024, which included seven for 20 years, three for 30 years, and five for 40 years of service. This approach starkly contrasts other operators, ensuring that Wightlink is viewed positively within the industry.

Wightlink’s commitment to the local community is unwavering. The company’s retail team actively supports the local supply chain by sourcing products from Island

producers, securing substantial contracts with companies such as Briddlesford Farm (milk), Grace’s Bakery (sandwiches), and Wight Crystal (botled water and soft drinks), despite the higher costs compared to larger national suppliers. The operator allocates £400,000 annually to community initiatives, providing travel discounts to hundreds of local sports, arts, and community groups.

Wightlink is also commited to sustainability. Following the introduction of the UK’s first large hybrid ferry in 2018, it is currently investing in the development of all-electric vessels. This initiative aims to reduce the operator’s carbon footprint and enhance water and air quality in the region.

Other shortlisted entries:

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers Hovertravel

Previous winners:

2023: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

2019: Thames Clippers

2018: CalMac Ferries

2017: MBNA Thames Clippers

2016: MBNA Thames Clippers

UK Bus Operator of the Year

Sponsored by

A submission in this category should demonstrate a number of the following:

Improvements to services and facilities

Patronage growth and/or reliability and punctuality

Customer and employee satisfaction

Accessibility standards and initiatives

Sustainability initiatives and investment

WINNER

LOTHIAN BUSES

Lothian Buses, recognised as the UK’s largest municipal bus company, has been providing transportation services in Edinburgh for over a century. The company is commited to decarbonisation, with its fleet regarded as one of the UK’s most modern and environmentally friendly. A significant milestone for Lothian was reached in 2024 by introducing 50 new fully electric Volvo BZL double-decker buses, supported by £24 million investment in associated charging infrastructure. This initiative aligns with Lothian’s ‘Driving Towards Net Zero’ strategy, published in 2023.

Regarding financial performance, Lothian reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation of £20 million for 2023, an increase from £19.7 million in 2022. The company successfully delivered over 110 million customer journeys during the year, reflecting a 17% increase compared to the previous year. Consequently, Lothian could return a dividend of £3.2 million to its shareholders.

Employee engagement remains a focal point for Lothian Buses, with the results from the 2023 Employee Survey indicating that 85% of staf take pride in working for the company. The survey also revealed that 95% of employees understand their role expectations, 95% maintain positive relationships with colleagues, 83% feel comfortable being themselves at work, and 81% perceive their manager as supportive. In 2023, Lothian trained 450 drivers, achieving a pass rate of 94.6%, significantly higher than the industry average of 61.5%. At the UK Bus Driver of the Year Finals held in Blackpool, Lothian had two drivers in the top three.

Accessibility is another key commitment for Lothian Buses. The company employs a dedicated access and inclusion oficer and collaborates with disability charities such as the RNIB to ensure drivers are trained to understand customers’ needs with additional requirements. In 2023, Lothian

partnered with Upmo, a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism, to create a campaign showcasing the importance of public transport for these individuals. The company also employs a flat-fare system to maintain afordability for all customers, while East Coast Buses ensures that rural communities in East Lothian remain connected to Edinburgh city centre.

Regarding safety, Lothian Buses made notable improvements to its engineering procedures in 2023, achieving a 31% increase in vehicle reliability compared to 2022.

Other shortlisted entries:

McGill's Bus Group

Brighton & Hove Buses

Stagecoach South

Stagecoach East Midlands

Blackpool Transport

Go South Coast Ltd

Transdev Blazefield

Grant Palmer

Arriva Midlands

Previous winners:

2023: Stagecoach South

2019: Plymouth Citybus

2018: Go South Coast

2017: Brighton & Hove Buses

2016: National Express West Midlands

UK Rail Operator of the Year

Sponsored by satisfaction ratings across all London transport modes, a testament to the quality and reliability of the Elizabeth Line service.

A submission in this category should demonstrate a number of the following: Improvements to services and facilities

Patronage growth and/or reliability and punctuality

Customer and employee satisfaction

Accessibility standards and initiatives

Sustainability initiatives and investment

WINNER

MTR ELIZABETH LINE (MTREL)

MTR Elizabeth Line (MTREL) operates under a Transport for London (TfL) concession, delivering the Elizabeth Line (EL) service in London. The EL connects Paddington to Reading and Heathrow in the west and Liverpool Street to Shenfield in the east. Since its inception in May 2022, the EL has facilitated over 330 million passenger journeys. In the latest quarter, from October to December 2023, MTREL recorded 58.5 million passenger journeys, marking a 40% increase compared to the same period in 2022.

The EL has five stations ranking among the UK’s top ten busiest. In the third quarter of 2023/2024, the service experienced the largest percentage increase in journey volumes among all TfL modes, exceeding 11%. MTREL continues to lead TfL’s customer

The operational framework of MTREL includes a high-performing timetable, regularly achieving above 95% for punctuality performance measure (PPM), with some days approaching near 100% PPM. MTREL ranks as the UK’s secondbest train operating company (TOC) for on-time performance. The company has implemented a new operational performance approach, producing Weekly Incident Reports with interactive fields to analyse causes of delays and cancellations and a trend report to identify recurring issues. Additionally, it provides functional and station-specific reports for detailed analysis of incidents.

The Crew Displacement Management Tool (CDMT), a real-time tool, has transformed control room operations. Updates to fleet software and the introduction of new train planning software have further enhanced service delivery. Customer Satisfaction Survey scores position MTREL as best in class for customer information, even amid an 11% increase in journey volume. Staf knowledge ratings stand at 89.8%, and Mystery Shopper Survey scores consistently exceed the target of 85%. Despite challenges due to unexpected disruptions, MTREL holds the second-lowest complaints rate in the industry.

The Customer & Community Ambassador Team has engaged with over 2 million customers in the past year. Between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, the team

facilitated 5,493 Turn Up and Go (TUAG) assists and 13,164 booked assistances. The organisation has received recognition for its Health & Wellbeing programme and has successfully reduced crime on the railway, achieving a 100% conviction rate for physical assaults against staf. Safety Roadshows addressing incident hotspots have been conducted, and all frontline staf receive training from Samaritans, which has saved over 600 lives. Additionally, the time taken to resolve incidents involving passengers has improved, while rail replacement services achieved their highest scores since Q4 2019/2020, with ticketless travel results below 2%, ranking among the best in the industry.

Highly commended:

Greater Anglia

Other shortlisted entries:

South Western Railway

Govia Thameslink Railway

Northern

West Midlands Trains

London North Eastern Railway

KeolisAmey Docklands

Previous winners:

2023: Crossrail/Elizabeth Line

2019: TfL Rail

2018: Trenitalia c2c

2017: Great Western Railway

2016: First Hull Trains

MTR Elizabeth line: Rail Operator of the Year

Learn more about the award-winning Elizabeth line at www mtrel co uk

UK Tram Operator of the Year

A submission in this category should demonstrate a number of the following:

Improvements to services and facilities

Patronage growth and/or reliability and punctuality

Customer and employee satisfaction

Accessibility standards and initiatives

Sustainability initiatives and investment

WINNER

EDINBURGH TRAMS

Edinburgh Trams has reported a significant increase in patronage, recording 9.3 million passenger journeys in 2023, a notable 90% rise from 4.8 million in 2022. The recent completion of the Trams to Newhaven project marks a pivotal development in expanding the tram network, extending 4.69 km from the original 14 km length. Construction of this extension commenced in November 2019, with passenger services oficially commencing in June 2023. Following the launch, tram patronage doubled within a few months.

During the festival season in August, Edinburgh Trams achieved its highest recorded monthly patronage, with approximately 1.2 million customer journeys. Ticket transactions also experienced a substantial increase, with over 11,000 tickets purchased in August alone. The monthly average for ticket sales has now surpassed 10,000.

In early 2023, the introduction of ‘TapTapCap’ in collaboration with Lothian Buses facilitated seamless transfers between buses and trams across the network, enhancing the overall customer experience. An extensive recruitment campaign entitled ‘Glide to the Future’ was launched to atract applicants from diverse backgrounds, hiring 40 new tram drivers. Additionally, an ‘Airport squad’ comprising around 40 employees was established to assist visitors with travel options and ticket deals.

To accommodate the anticipated rise in customer numbers, substantial investments were made in ticketing technology. Upgrades to the ‘ET app’ now provide users with various products, including discounted day ticket bundles, catering to the evolving needs of

commuters in an era of flexible working. The ‘Edinburgh Ticket’ sales website was relaunched before the Newhaven line opening, ofering multi-day options for visitors travelling from the airport to the city centre and beyond.

Eforts have also been made to support major sporting and cultural events in the city, with extra trams and special ticket ofers. Notable initiatives included the ‘Rugby Return’ tickets, designed for national and international fixtures at Murrayfield Stadium.

Additionally, free all-night services were ofered on New Year’s Eve, resulting in nearly 20,000 recorded trips, providing a safe travel option for those celebrating in the city.

Other shortlisted entries: West Midlands Metro

Blackpool Transport Edinburgh Trams

Previous winners: 2023: West Midlands Metro 2019: N/A

Regional Transport Authority of the Year

Sponsored by

A submission in this category should demonstrate progress and improvement across a range of sustainable transport policy areas supported by measurable outcomes. Evidence of success could include: growing public transport patronage and/or mode shift, and customer satisfaction ratings improved public health through increased active travel infrastructure and networks, the use of decarbonised fleets (e.g. electric buses and authority-owned service vehicles), road fatality statistics the approaches being utilised to atract people back to local transport and ensure accessible and afordable travel is available for all

examples of innovation and joined-up thinking regarding land-use, planning, housing, economic development etc

LIVERPOOL CITY REGION COMBINED AUTHORITY

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has had a busy year. In October 2023, a new railway station at Headbolt Lane opened. This station serves as an interchange, connecting seamlessly to the local bus network and featuring a secure cycle parking facility accommodating up to 100 bicycles. Dedicated cycle lanes facilitate

access to the station from the highway. Notably, Headbolt Lane is served by the first fully electric batery-powered trains in passenger operation on the UK rail network.

Social value initiatives associated with the station include the Career Carousel event hosted at nearby All Saints Catholic High School. This event has significantly increased the number of young people selecting engineering as a career path, rising from 36 in 2021 to 49 in 2022. Among these, the representation of young women in engineering has also improved, with six young women pursuing this path compared to only two the previous year.

In another landmark development, LCR became the second region in the UK to re-regulate its bus network. This decision followed substantial public enagagement, in which approximately 70% of respondents supported plans for franchising. As part of the network’s transformation, the region has secured over £9 million in funding from the Zero Emission Buses Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme to introduce 58 fully electric buses.

In December 2024, LCR commissioned the first new Mersey Ferry in over 60 years. This state-of-the-art vessel will be constructed at the historic Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, creating local jobs and apprenticeships. This initiative is part of the Combined Authority’s 20-year Mersey Ferries strategy, which includes major upgrade works at ferry terminals on the Wirral side of the Mersey.

The region’s first CYCLOPS, an innovative cycling infrastructure, opened in September 2023. This project is part of the St Helens Southern Gateway, aiming to facilitate

sustainable travel for commuters using Lea Green Railway Station while enhancing safety for cyclists and motorists. The first phase of the major Active Travel network, spanning 40 km, has been successfully delivered, leading to a reported 13% increase in cycling on key routes. Currently, around 600 publicly available charging points are in the region, with plans for a significant increase supported by Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding.

Finally, installing a new LED lighting system in the Queensway Tunnel is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 220 tonnes annually while lowering electricity costs. These initiatives represent significant progress towards the Mayor’s vision of a London-style transport system.

Highly commended:

Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS)

Other shortlisted entries:

Aberdeenshire Council

Transport for Greater Manchester

Transport for West Midlands

Previous winners:

2023: Transport for West Midlands

2019: West Midlands Combined AuthorityTransport for West Midlands

2018: Transport for Greater Manchester

2017: Transport for West Midlands

2016: Centro (West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority)

WINNER

liverpoolcityregion-ca.jgp.co.uk/vacancies

Frontline Employee / Community Champion of the Year

Sponsored by

A submission in this category should demonstrate the ways in which a frontline member of staf has gone beyond the call of duty in their role to achieving community value, customer and/or staf satisfaction and wellbeing. It is open to frontline staf such as bus drivers, train conductors, highways inspectors, school crossing patrols, receptionists & ticket staf; volunteers and community champions (for example, volunteer community taxi or bus drivers); rail station volunteers (for example gardeners, hospitality or basic maintenance); or volunteer campaigners to improve a service or safety standards etc)

FRONTLINE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

WINNER

DAVID COPLEY

Bus Driver, First Bus

In Bradford city centre, David, a bus driver, noticed a boy, estimated to be around 12 years old, pressing the bell to alight. As the doors opened, an intoxicated male passenger stood up and followed the boy of the bus. Sensing something was wrong, David paused to observe the situation. He saw the man place his arms firmly around the boy’s shoulders, appearing to guide him

towards an alleyway. Concerned, David stepped out of his cab and asked the boy if he knew the man, to which the boy replied, “No.” The man claimed, “He’s with me.” David instructed the man to release the child, allowing the boy to return to the bus under the care of other passengers. While contacting the police, David followed the man at a safe distance, providing directions to the authorities. Within 10 minutes, the police made an arrest for the atempted kidnapping of a minor. In May 2024, First Bus North & West Yorkshire began supporting the NSPCC’s Listen Up, Speak Up campaign to promote child safeguarding initiatives.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

WINNER

RICHARD BAKER

Community Ambassador, MTR Elizabeth line (MTREL)

Richard has worked on the same route for 13 years, including seven with MTREL, where he serves as Community Ambassador. He leads several initiatives in this role, including a work experience programme for children with additional needs. Since January 2024, Richard has delivered over 400 hours of work experience (640 hours in the past 12 months). He provides accessibility training to MTREL colleagues, running workshops for approximately 50 staf members. He also organises 25-30

School Safety Talks annually and has led the Santa Express for the past five years, having volunteered since 2015. Richard manages a Christmas card competition for schools and coordinates charitable carol singing at MTREL stations. His Mental Health Garden has won the Underground in Bloom award nearly yearly, and it featured on Parliament’s news portal. Additionally, he has arranged over 100 train cab rides this year, with almost 2,000 over the past seven years. Richard has made 29 suicide interventions and contributed to the Samaritans’ 2024 mental health campaign.

Other shortlisted entries:

Vicki Paull, Technician, Glasgow Subway Fleet, Stadler Rail Service UK

Ella Toterdell, Executive Assistant, Hitachi Rail

Rachel Hart, Marketing Assistant, Stagecoach West Scotland

Lynne Harrison, Customer Intelligence Support Oficer,Transport for West Midlands

Ian Tyler, Bus Driver Aberdare Depot, Stagecoach South Wales

Thomas Fair, Bus Driver, Lothian Buses

Daniel Sprought, Bus Driver, Stagecoach East Midlands

Previous winners:

2023: Kate Evans, Bus Station Supervisor, Transport for West Midlands: 2019: Anthony Kelly, Customer Engagement Oficer, TfGM

STARS Film Awards

School Travel and Road Safe ty

STARS

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