Coach and bus was well represented at the Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards, which were presented in London on 28 June.
Stagecoach Manchester Operations Director Rebecca Rathore (pictured) won the Customer/Passenger Leader Award, with FlixBus UK Operations Team Lead Hayley Russell a runner-up in that category.
Meanwhile, Go-Ahead London driver and mentor Koli Begum won the Apprentice Award, and National Express West Midlands Head of Operations Jenny Tocknell was a runner-up in the Tech Innovator Award category.
The Customer/Passenger Leader Award claimed by Ms Rathore recognises women that are excelling in their role for customers and passengers in transport, logistics and freight, while the Apprentice Award is for an enterprising female apprentice who is making an exceptional contribution to their employer in the early years of their career.
Ms Rathore joined Stagecoach Manchester a year ago and has 22 years of experience in transport. She is operationally responsible for 700 buses, 1,800 colleagues and 96 million annual passenger journeys at the business.
Ms Russell has risen quickly at FlixBus and was crowned Rising Star at the 2022 routeone Awards for her achievements and her work in helping to successfully grow the FlixBus network.
Speaking about her win, Ms Rathore says: “I am delighted to have received the Everywoman in Transport Customer/Passenger Leader Award this year. I have such a strong passion for this industry and I would like to thank Stagecoach for supporting my career. I am excited to see what the future holds and hope I can continue to inspire women to consider a career in the transport sector.”
Stagecoach Manchester Managing Director Lee Wasnidge has congratulated Ms Rathore on her victory. “Rebecca is an advocate for inclusivity at Stagecoach and as the only woman in a Director role among all Greater Manchester bus operators, she is proud to influence the strategic direction of the industry and drive positive change.
“She is an inclusive leader who encourages and supports women in our industry and those looking to start their career in transport. She is truly deserving of this award.” Ms Rathore was also named on the 2023 Northern Power Women’s Future List earlier this year.
Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards 2023 winners in full here.
