At the Women in Bus and Coach Summit 2025, we had the honour of presenting our annual Awards, recognising the outstanding women and allies making a difference in the bus, coach and community transport sector.
Now in their second year, the Awards highlight not only individual achievements but also the progress being made towards building a more inclusive, supportive and innovative industry.
With hundreds of nominations received, our judges were struck by the depth of talent, leadership and passion on display. Choosing the winners was no easy task, and we extend our congratulations to all those recognised.
Join us in congratulating the outstanding winners of this year’s Women in Bus and Coach Awards:
Best Woman in Bus Award – sponsored by CitySwift
Winner
Michele Elliot, First Bus
Michele has been honoured with the Woman in Bus Award for her exceptional leadership, commitment and impact within the industry. At First Bus, she has championed innovation, inclusivity and service excellence, ensuring that colleagues are supported and customers benefit from high-quality transport. Her achievements set a powerful example and continue to inspire others across the sector.
Michele was presented her award by:
Kate Pearman, Cityswift
Laurence Jenkins, Women in Bus and Coach
Massive congratulations to the shortlisted finalists:
Fiona Guthrie, First Bus London
Mollie Pye, Arriva
Watch Michele, Fiona and Mollie talk about what their nomination means to them:
Best Woman in Coach Award – sponsored by Dawsongroup
Winner
Simone Walsh, Scottish Citylink
Simone has been awarded the Best Woman in Coach Award, recognising her exceptional leadership, dedication and contribution to the coach sector. Her commitment to delivering high standards and supporting those around her has made a lasting impact, setting a strong example and inspiring others across the industry.
Simone was presented her award by:
Paul Sainthouse, Dawsongroup
Erica Simpson, Dawsongroup
Laura Hadzik, Women in Bus and Coach
Massive congratulations to the shortlisted finalists:
Rachael Fairhall, Arriva Road Transport Services
Sally Walder, Roberts Travel Group
Watch Simone, Rachael and Sally talk about what their nomination means to them:
Best Woman in Community Transport Award – sponsored by IntSol Recruitment
Winner
Christina Christie, Swansea Concil for Voluntary Service
Christina has been honoured with the Woman in Community Transport Award for her inspiring leadership, dedication and commitment to supporting her community. Through her work, she has championed access, inclusion and care, ensuring that community transport continues to play a vital role in people’s lives. Christina’s impact is far-reaching and she stands as a role model for others working across the sector.
Christina was presented her award by:
Beulah DeCunha, IntSol Recruitment
Victoria Armstrong, Women in Bus and Coach
Massive congratulations to the shortlisted finalists:
Gemma Lelliott, Community Transport Association (Wales team)
Kathleen Lyons, Westway Community Transport
Watch Christina, Gemma and Kathleen talk about what their nomination means to them:
Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Allyship Award – Sponsored by the Go-Ahead Group
Winner
Tony McEwan, First Bus
Tony has been honoured with the Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Allyship Award for his dedication to championing equality, diversity and inclusion across our sector. His encouragement, advocacy and support have made a real difference, helping to create a more inclusive and welcoming industry for women and colleagues from all backgrounds.
Richard was presented his award by:
Stephen Lynn, Women in Bus and Coach
Carolyn Ferguson, Go-Ahead Group
Massive congratulations to the shortlisted finalists:
Richard Bamber, Anthony’s Travel
Claire Russell, Easilink Community Transport
Watch Tony, Richard and Claire talk about what their nomination means to them:
Rising Star Award – Sponsored by C9 Recruitment
Winners
Una D’Arcy, Easilink Community Transport
Kymeisha Joseph-Worrell, First Bus London
Lynsey Milligan, Milligan’s Coach Travel
This year’s brand-new Rising Star Award has been awarded jointly to Una, Kymeisha and Lynsey, recognising their exceptional early-career achievements and the promise they bring to the future of our industry. Each of them has already demonstrated remarkable talent, commitment and determination to succeed, making a lasting impression on colleagues and the wider sector. Together, they embody the spirit of the Rising Star Award and stand as an inspiration to others starting their careers in bus, coach and community transport.
The awards were presented by:
Koli Begum, C9 Recruitment
Tom Cunnington, Women in Bus and Coach
Watch Una, Kymeisha and Lynsey talk about what their nomination means to them:
2025 Woman of the Year, Michele Elliot
A special congratulations goes to Michele Elliot, who has not only won the Woman in Bus Award but has also been named the 2025 Woman of the Year! This recognition reflects her outstanding leadership, commitment and lasting impact within the bus industry and beyond. Michele’s achievements continue to inspire colleagues across the sector, setting a powerful example of excellence and inclusion.
As part of this prestigious recognition, Michele has also won a week-long VIP trip to Egypt for herself and a guest, sponsored by MCV Group.
Michele was presented her award by:
Farah Salah, MCV group
Louise Cheeseman, Women in Bus and Coach
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s winners, finalists and nominees for their remarkable contributions. Your dedication, leadership and commitment are driving positive change across the bus, coach and community transport sector. Each of you is an inspiration, and we look forward to seeing the impact you will continue to make in shaping a more inclusive and successful industry.
