Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC) will host its third annual awards alongside its 2026 summit in Birmingham on 6 October, and has opened the former to nominations.
The awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional contributions and achievements of women across the coach, bus and community sectors. This year will debut a new category in the Louise Cheeseman OBE Better Together Award, created in honour of the WiBC founder and former Chair.
It has been sponsored by Arriva and will recognise one of Ms Cheeseman’s core beliefs that positive change happens when people work together.
Open to an individual, a team, depots and organisations across coach, bus and community transport, the award will celebrate those leading the way on diversity, equality and inclusion, fostering positive workplace cultures, championing collaboration and innovation, and showing sustained commitment to making the sector more inclusive.
The new category will sit alongside five existing awards:
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- Best Woman in Bus, sponsored by Metroline: honouring outstanding performance and dedication in the bus sector
- Best Woman in Coach, sponsored by the Confederation of Passenger Transport: celebrating excellence and a significant contribution to the coach industry
- Best Woman in Community Transport: recognising dedication and impact in community transport services
- The Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Best Ally Award, sponsored by the Go-Ahead Group: highlighting an individual who has been an exceptional ally in supporting and advocating for women across the sector
- Rising Star Award, sponsored by Albatross Travel: acknowledging a woman who has shown promise, passion and progress in her early career in coach, bus or community transport.
One winner of the Best Woman categories will also receive the prestigious Woman of the Year Award, sponsored by MCV. It is described as the highest honour bestowed by WiBC. Previous winners have been Irizar UK Sales Director Julie Hartley in 2024, and First Bus Aberdeen driver Michele Elliot for 2025.
Speaking about this year’s recognition efforts, WiBC Chair Laura Hadzik says: “The Women in Bus and Coach Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the talented, dedicated and inspiring individuals who make a difference across our industry every day.
“Each year, the quality of nominations demonstrates the incredible impact women are having throughout the coach, bus and community transport sectors, as well as the allies and organisations helping to drive positive change.
“We are particularly proud to introduce the Louise Cheeseman OBE Better Together Award this year, which reflects Louise’s enduring legacy and recognises the power of collaboration in creating a more inclusive and supportive industry.
“We encourage everyone to nominate the individuals, teams, depots and businesses whose achievements deserve to be recognised and celebrated.”
Nomination information can be found here.
