Women in Bus and Coach is delighted to announce the return of its annual awards, which will take place as part of its annual summit sponsored by BT in Birmingham this October. Now in their third year, the awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional contributions and achievements of women across the bus, coach, and community transport sectors.
Building on the success of last year’s event, the 2026 ceremony introduces a new category, the Better Together Award. This has been created in honour of Women in Bus and Coach founder and former Chair, Louise Cheeseman OBE, recognising one of her core beliefs: that positive change happens when people work together. Open to an individual, team, depot or organisation across the bus, coach and community transport sectors, the award will celebrate those leading the way on equality, diversity, and inclusion, fostering positive workplace cultures, championing collaboration and innovation, and showing a sustained commitment to making the sector more inclusive for all.
This year’s categories are:
- Best Woman in Bus, sponsored by Metroline: Honouring outstanding performance and dedication in the bus sector.
- Best Woman in Coach, sponsored by CPT UK: Celebrating excellence and 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 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 for Women sponsored by Albatross Travel: Acknowledging a woman who has shown promise, passion, and progress in her early career in bus, coach, or community transport.
- The Louise Cheeseman OBE Better Together Award, sponsored by Arriva (new for 2026): Recognising an individual, team, depot or organisation that champions inclusion, collaboration and positive change across the bus, coach and community transport sectors.
In addition, one outstanding winner from across the Best Woman categories will be selected to receive the prestigious Woman of the Year Award, sponsored by MCV, the highest honour bestowed by Women in Bus and Coach.
Laura Hadzik, Chair of Women in Bus and Coach, said: “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 bus, coach 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 an individual, team, depot or organisation whose achievements deserve to be recognised and celebrated.”
For details and to enter click here.
For details on the 2025 winners click here.
