Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC), an organisation dedicated to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the bus, coach and community transport industry, achieved remarkable recognition at the prestigious Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation Awards last night (13th June). In less than a year since its launch, the organisation was honoured with the coveted “Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award”, acknowledging its significant impact and contributions towards fostering a more inclusive industry.
In addition to this outstanding achievement, Kerri Cheek, Senior Bus Safety Development Manager at Transport for London (TfL), and founding Director of WiBC, was awarded the esteemed “Bus Centre of Excellence – Bus Person of the Year Award”. This accolade recognises an individual’s exceptional contribution to the bus transportation sector, highlighting Kerri’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing the industry. In addition to her main role leading TfL’s Bus Safety Programme, over the last two years Kerri has been integral to the foundation of WiBC.
Kerri Cheek, commented:
“The mission of Women in Bus and 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.”
Louise Cheeseman, Chair of Women in Bus and Coach, added:
“We are thrilled to be recognised with the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award and to see Kerri Cheek honoured as Bus Person of the Year. These awards reflect our collective commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive industry. I am immensely proud of our team’s dedication and the strides we have made in such a short time. Kerri’s leadership has been instrumental in our success, and this recognition is well-deserved.”
The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award highlights the significant strides Women in Bus and Coach has made in promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups within the industry. The organisation’s initiatives have included a Director mentorship program, networking events, and spotlighting the amazing contributions of women across all aspects of the bus, coach and community transport sector, aimed at empowering women and fostering a more diverse workforce.
Kerri Cheek’s recognition by the Bus Centre of Excellence as Bus Person of the Year further underscores her exemplary leadership and contributions to the whole bus transportation sector. Under her guidance in just the last year, TfL’s Bus Safety Standard won the prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award, and Women in Bus and Coach has rapidly grown and gained widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to tackling industry challenges and promoting a culture of inclusivity.
