The deadline for nominations to the 2026 routeone Awards has gained an extension of two weeks to recognise the Easter weekend and a likelihood of some within the coach and bus industry having taken time away from work across the wider educational break.
Nominations thus now close at 1700hrs on Wednesday 15 April. A strong crop is already in hand, but organiser Diversified UK and Europe has extended the cut-off point by a fortnight following feedback to ensure that every eligible party has chance to make their submissions.
While the nomination period continues, the entry period has commenced as scheduled, with the first round of nomination notifications already sent. It will run to 26 May. From there, the expert judging panel will begin its work.
All other dates within the Awards timeline remain as already published. That includes the presentation evening on Wednesday 4 November at The Vox at Resorts World Birmingham.
It will sit alongside the Euro Bus Expo trade show at the adjacent NEC, to be held between 3-5 November. As ever, Euro Bus Expo will represent the UK industry’s premier opportunity to see a mix of vehicles, products, services and much more alongside seminar content.
Nominations for the routeone Awards are invited from manufacturers, dealers and suppliers. In people categories, they are additionally welcomed via third-party recommendation or from individuals directly if endorsed by the business proprietor, CEO, or Managing Director. All 15 of the following categories remain open for submissions:
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- Rising Star
- Manager of the Year, small/medium operator (up to 150 vehicles)
- Manager of the Year, large operator (over 150 vehicles)
- Outstanding Customer Experience
- Engineer of the Year, small/medium operator (up to 150 vehicles]
- Engineer of the Year, large operator (over 150 vehicles)
- Coach Tourism Programme of the Year
- Innovation in Coach
- Innovation in Bus
- Sustainability Award
- Small Coach Operator of the Year (up to 15 coaches)
- Medium Coach Operator of the Year (16-40 coaches)
- Small/Medium Bus Operator of the Year (up to 150 buses)
- Large Coach Operator of the Year (over 40 coaches)
- Large Bus Operator of the Year (over 150 buses).
Innovation in Coach and Innovation in Bus are new for 2026. They recognise organisations in each field that have innovation as a core part of their business. Diversified has advised that nominations for the Sustainability Award and both Engineer of the Year categories are also particularly welcome.
In addition, the Special Award will be decided at the judges’ discretion and presented to a member of the industry for their contribution.
Nominations can be made via the routeone Awards website, where further details of the event may be found. Tickets will go on general sale from 3 August, with judging to conclude on 2-3 September.
Being nominated is the only way for an individual or operator to be considered by the judges. Nomination is a critical first step on the road to the presentation evening, with those making such submissions playing a vital part in defining the entry list, shortlist, and winners’ roster.
For all partnership and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Commercial Manager Martin Laverton via email.
