Arriva managers clean up in new transport industry awards

Managers from Arriva scooped a string of awards for theirskills, talent and commitment at the UK’s first set of annualPassenger Transport Management Awards (PTMA).

More than 30 shortlisted managers from across the UK’s buscompanies, rail operators and local authorities gathered in Londonon Friday (July 11) to find out this year’s PTMAwinners. Talented managers from across Arriva’s UKoperating businesses took home an impressive five of the 10awards.  The winners were as follows:

The first annual Lifetime Achievement Award went to TonyDepledge OBE. Tony has a career in the passenger transportindustry which spans almost 40 years, starting as a seasonal tramdriver in Blackpool through to his current role as Arriva’sdirector of transport policy development.

Also rewarded for long and devoted service to the industry inthe Unsung Heroes Award was Mike Topping, project manager forArriva North West and Wales, who has worked in the industry foralmost 50 years. The award was not on the original list ofcategories but was added to recognise those who work tirelessly,often in the background, giving a lifetime of service throughouttheir careers.

The prize for Young Passenger Transport Professional, designedspecially for managers under 35, was shared between three managersfrom around the country. Hard-working James Higlett,assistant engineering manager with Arriva Southern Counties,impressed the judges with his ability and commitment.

The local prize for Industry Ambassador went to Geraint Morgan,community affairs manager for Arriva Trains Wales, for hisoutstanding energy, enthusiasm and commitment to his role whichincludes promoting community safety tackling anti-socialbehaviour.

Chloe Leach of Arriva Yorkshire was recognised for her cleverwork in re-launching Arriva’s network of bus services in WestYorkshire, securing the title Marketeer of the Year. Thejudges were most impressed with Chloe’s marketing and publicrelations programme which included persuading Jonathan Ross topresent his BBC Radio 2 programme from Arriva’s Wakefielddepot.

David Martin, chief executive of Arriva plc, said: "Arrivaplaces great emphasis on developing talent, and that quality hasshown through at these awards. From young managers in theirfirst few years through to those with a lifetime’s experienceit’s a real boost to see colleagues recognised by their peersacross the industry."

Also recognised for his outstanding work on the Kent FastrackBus Rapid Transit system, operated by Arriva, was David George ofKent County Council who took home the title Project Leader of theYear.

The prizes were presented at London’s prestigiousDorchester Hotel by Peter Hendy, the Transport Commissioner forLondon and Chair of the Commission for Integrated Transport. Theceremony was compered by the BBC southern transport correspondentPaul Clifton.