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What is the award for?

This award provides an opportunity to reward planners, academics, managers or politicians who have made a major contribution to one or more of:

• Planning in passenger transport 
• Policy development, thinking and innovation 
• Senior management (i.e. General Managers, Chief Executives or Directors or equivalent).

There was no short-list for this category, the winner of which was announced at the Presentation Ceremony on 11th July.

The Winner

• Tony Depledge, Arriva plc

Tony is widely respected for his deep knowledge of transport legislation and its practical application in the UK throughout Europe.

He possesses a rare blend of detailed operational experience and a strategic awareness of transport policy initiatives. He is passionate about the role that public transport has to play in the community and its impact on the lives of employees and customers alike. He is always willing to help colleagues and offer considered views on the issues of the day.

As well as his work for employers, he has been President of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, President of the Light Rail Transit Association and is currently President of the Association of European Public Transport Operators.

He has a career in our industry which spans nearly 40 years, starting as a part-time/seasonal bus and tram driver and conductor with Blackpool Transport in the late sixties and having spells at Midland Red and South Yorkshire PTE.

He returned to Blackpool and ran the bus and tram company there for over 15 years, before taking up his current role as Arriva’s director of transport policy development.

Having turned 60 earlier this year, Tony is attempting to retire but just can’t leave the public transport business alone. So - thankfully for both Arriva and the wider industry - he is continuing on a part-time basis.

Who could be nominated?

This award was open to anybody working within or in organisations associated with the public passenger transport industry in its widest sense. Nominees could therefore include people working for operators, local authorities (members and officers), the academic community, the civil service, politics or consultancies.

... and by whom?

The PTMA joint venture committee asked to hear from as wide a range of people in the industry as possible as to the names of those who might qualify for this very special award.

Criteria and Entry Conditions

Nominations for this award have not been sought in the formal sense, but the aim will be for judges and scheme executives to reach a consensus annually on the individual to receive the award.

People within the industry who would like to suggest names for consideration were invited contact the awards organisers, which they duly did.