BEN Wakerley, Managing Director of Warrington’s Own Buses, has won a prestigious national award recognising excellence in transport leadership.
Ben was named Passenger Transport Leader of the Year at the 2026 Leadership in Passenger Transport Awards (LiPTA).
Organised by the not-for-profit Transport Events Group (TEG), the awards celebrate the skills, talent and commitment of leaders across the bus, coach, rail and light rail sectors.
The award recognises Ben’s strong leadership and his successful partnership working with Warrington Borough Council to drive improvements in bus services across the borough, including the introduction of a new all-electric fleet, enhanced timetables and improved passenger satisfaction.
Ben said: “I’m grateful to receive recognition among such a strong field of transport professionals from across the country.
“Our achievements in Warrington over recent years have been a genuine team effort. We have made great strides in improving bus services for our passengers, and this award is a reflection of the commitment, expertise and hard work shown every day by colleagues across Warrington’s Own Buses and the council.
“Looking ahead, Cheshire and Warrington devolution presents an exciting opportunity to build on this and I look forward to working with colleagues and stakeholders across the new combined authority.”
Warrington Borough Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “Ben’s achievement is thoroughly deserved and I’m delighted to see his work recognised on a national stage. Through his dedication and strong partnership work with the council, we’ve seen significant progress in Warrington’s bus network. It’s delivering real benefits for passengers and helping us provide greener, more reliable and more accessible public transport across the borough.”
The Leadership in Passenger Transport Awards ceremony took place at indigo at The O2 in London in July, bringing together leaders from across the UK passenger transport sector to celebrate excellence and innovation.
