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Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award

Tuesday, 21 July 2026 11:35

Finalists: Transdev Head of Engineering Darren Bell-Walker and Head of Finance Louise King.

Two Harrogate-based Transdev colleagues have been shortlisted for national honours at this year's RouteOne Awards.

Head of Engineering Darren Bell-Walker has been named a finalist for Engineer of the Year, while Head of Finance Louise King is in the running for Manager of the Year.

The pair are among seven nominations received by Transdev across two of the UK's biggest transport industry awards.

Darren, who began his career repairing Challenger 2 tanks in the British Army before moving into the rail industry, has been recognised for improving the way Transdev manages repairs, maintenance, MOTs and vehicle servicing, helping to boost reliability across its fleet.

Louise joined Transdev from a senior role in the NHS and has been recognised for helping secure £11 million of investment in new buses for Keighley and Blackburn, while also supporting members of the finance team to gain new qualifications.

Alongside the individual nominations, Keighley Bus Company has been shortlisted for Outstanding Customer Experience and Small/Medium Bus Operator of the Year at the RouteOne Awards.

The operator is also a finalist at the National Transport Awards, where Keighley Bus Company is in the running for Bus Operator of the Year and its SHUTTLE 662 service has been shortlisted for Best Bus Service.

Transdev Managing Director Henri Rohard said:

"We are delighted to have been named as finalists for seven major award categories, and among so many other fantastic operators.

"Best of luck to the three colleagues who are part of this final stage and thank you to the Keighley team, which has been selected for four categories.

"For us to be finalists in such a diverse range of categories is a major achievement, and one that reflects the hard work and dedication that our colleagues have given this past year."

The National Transport Awards winners will be announced in London on 1st October, with the RouteOne Awards taking place in Birmingham on 4th November.

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