Winners of the 2024 routeone Awards were crowned in front of a record 900-strong crowd of industry members and stakeholders on 13 November.
Held for the first time at The Vox at Resorts World Birmingham, the presentation evening saw comedian, actor and presenter Patrick Kielty join routeone Editor Tim Deakin to hand over the 16 trophies.
Over 80 shortlisted entries progressed to the presentation evening, marking a further record. Operators and people submissions were accepted in 15 of those, with the final category being the Special Award.
It is decided upon by the seven-strong panel of experienced industry judges. In 2024, they selected Brighton and Hove Buses and Metrobus Accessibility and Communities Manager Victoria Garcia, who was recognised for her tireless work in promoting the cause of the customer and helping more of those to choose bus travel.
This year’s entries highlighted the coach and bus industry’s commitment to sustainable and innovative practices, with finalists showcasing advancements in customer centricity, technology deployment, and green initiatives.
routeone Awards 2024 winners’ list
Rising Star, partnered by PPG: Tom Berry, Mobico Group.
Manager of the Year Small/Medium Operator (up to 150 vehicles), partnered by IntSol Recruitment: Ella Spencer, Greys.
Manager of the Year Large Operator (over 150 vehicles), partnered by Freeway Fleet Systems: Jonathon Hunt, First Bus East of England.
Outstanding Customer Experience, partnered by Arthur Spriggs Busworld Tewkesbury: Maynes Coaches. Highly Commended: Metroline driver Mirela Mandzhukova.
Engineer of the Year Small/Medium Operator (up to 150 vehicles), partnered by Pelican Bus and Coach: John Williams, Williams Coaches
Engineer of the Year Large Operator (over 150 vehicles), partnered by Knorr-Bremse Systems for Commercial Vehicles: Jack Abbott, Stagecoach Yorkshire..
Coach Tourism Programme of the Year, partnered by Bonded Coach Holidays: Skills Holidays.
Best Use of Technology – Coach Operator, partnered by JMW Solicitors: Maynes Coaches.
Best Use of Technology – Bus Operator, partnered by Backhouse Jones: Buses.gg.
Environment Award, partnered by Zenobē: Transdev Blazefield.
Small Coach Operator of the Year (up to 15 coaches), partnered by Neoplan: Henshaw’s Executive Travel.
Medium Coach Operator of the Year (16-40 coaches), partnered by Daimler Buses UK: Bennetts Coaches.
Small/Medium Bus Operator of the Year (up to 150 buses), partnered by Asset Alliance Group: LibertyBus.
Large Coach Operator of the Year (over 40 coaches), partnered by Volvo Bus UK and Ireland: Edwards Coaches.
Large Bus Operator of the Year (over 150 buses), partnered by C9 Recruitment: Nottingham City Transport.
Special Award, partnered by Ticketer: Victoria Garcia, Brighton and Hove Buses and Metrobus.
A gallery of each category winner can be found here.
Speaking about this 2024 routeone Awards, Event Director Helen Conway says: “These awards highlight the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship, customer service, and accessibility.
“Each finalist and winner represents an important step forward in making public transport cleaner, greener, and more accessible for all, providing reliable services that meet the needs of diverse communities across the UK.”
Judging was carried out by a panel made up of:
- Joan Aitken OBE, former Traffic Commissioner for Scotland
- David Cattermole, former Managing Director of Galloway Travel
- Richard Delahoy, Transport Consultant
- Nigel Eggleton, former Managing Director of First Bus Midlands and South Yorkshire
- Mark Fowles, former Managing Director of Nottingham City Transport
- Graham Russell, former senior engineering leader with FirstGroup
- Norman Thomas, former Product Engineering Manager with Volvo Bus.
The 2025 routeone Awards will return to The Vox at Resorts World Birmingham on Thursday 13 November 2025. Nominations for deserving winners are continually sought; further information can be found on the event website.
