The evening of 13 June saw the presentation of the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) Awards 2024, which also incorporated the Bus Centre of Excellence Awards. Winner of the Bus Person of the Year award, acknowledging an individual’s exceptional contribution within the bus transportation sector, was Kerri Cheek, Senior Bus Safety Development Manager at Transport for London and Director of Women in Bus & Coach.
In the Bus Initiative of the Year category, recognising outstanding initiatives within the field of bus transport that have made a significant positive impact in England, the winner was Nottinghamshire County Council for Nottinghamshire’s Student Public Transport. Highly Commended was Transport for London’s Superloop express bus network, whilst Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s ‘Moving Buses Forward’ franchising statutory consultation and training provider Realise’s ‘Route to Success’ programme were commented. Also shortlisted were Arriva’s ‘Stop and Stay’ initiative and Transport for London’s Bus Safety Strategy.
Women in Bus & Coach (WiBC) was also presented with the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award, acknowledging its impact and contributions towards fostering a more inclusive industry.
Speaking about her win, Kerri Cheek said: “The mission of Women in Bus & Coach is to champion equality, diversity, and inclusion within the sector, and this recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team – who are all incredibly proud and humbled to receive this award. I am also deeply honoured to be named Bus Person of the Year by the Bus Centre of Excellence for my mission to bring the industry together to effect change in both safety and diversity.
“I am proud to share these accolades with everyone who shares those values and has supported our work. Together we are making a difference and paving the way for a better future, and I would also like to thank my colleagues at Transport for London and beyond for their collective drive to make buses safer for both drivers and passengers alike.”