2025 Finalists

2025 FINALISTS

The routeone Awards honour accomplishment, innovation, and the highest standards of excellence in all aspects of operating. Through nominations, entries, and judging, 88 finalists were selected, highlighting exceptional operators and individuals across the country.

They went on to compete for the top honours at a prestigious event in November 2025. Congratulations to the finalists, and all participants. The impressive number of quality submissions showcased the efforts that make this an industry to be proud of – and that deserved to be celebrated!

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RISING STAR

  • Alex Firth, Greys
  • Andrew Wilson, Translink
  • Ashley Brown, Johnsons Coaches
  • Bethan Jenkinson, Go North West
  • Idris Brown, Go North West
  • Jodie Sweeney, First Bus Essex
  • Joshua Rayner, Metroline

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MANAGER OF THE YEAR - small/medium operator (up to 150 vehicles)

  • Ashley Brown, Johnsons Coaches
  • Billy Jones, Selwyns Travel
  • Hannah Mountcastle, Sleafordian Coaches
  • Sam Woolley, Roberts Travel Group
  • Shirley Martin, Cymru Coaches

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MANAGER OF THE YEAR - large operator (over 150 vehicles)

  • Jonathon Hunt, First Bus East of England
  • Natalie Harrison, trentbarton
  • Richard Wade, Go South Coast – Morebus
  • Ryan Tanner, Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus
  • Simon Ingham, Edwards Coaches
  • Vicky Doyle, Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus

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OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

  • Acklams Coaches
  • Huyton Travel
  • Johnsons Coaches
  • LibertyBus
  • Roberts Travel Group
  • Sleafordian Coaches
  • Uno Buses

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ENGINEER OF THE YEAR - small/medium operator (up to 150 vehicles)

  • Alex Firth, Greys
  • Derek Catchpole, Passenger Plus
  • Karl Hutchison, Warrington’s Own Buses
  • Phill Kerr, Sleafordian Coaches
  • Scot Nicholetti, Whippet

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ENGINEER OF THE YEAR - large operator (over 150 vehicles)

  • Darren Woodcock, Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus
  • Martyn Walsh, Go North West
  • Mike Lang, Cardiff Bus
  • Paul Slaney, Translink
  • Tom Ranson, Reading Buses

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COACH TOURISM PROGRAMME OF THE YEAR

  • Ellen Smith Tours
  • Johnsons Coaches
  • Masons Minibus & Coach Hire
  • Maynes Coaches
  • Roberts Travel Group

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BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY - Coach operator

  • Belle Vue (Manchester)
  • Ellen Smith Tours
  • Llew Jones
  • Passenger Plus
  • Sleafordian Coaches

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BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY - Bus operator

  • Arriva UK Bus
  • Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus
  • Reading Buses
  • Somerset Passenger Solutions
  • The Harrogate Bus Company
  • Translink
  • Warrington’s Own Buses

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SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

  • Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus
  • First Bus Leicester
  • First Bus North & West Yorkshire
  • Tootbus
  • Translink
  • Warrington’s Own Buses

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SMALL COACH OPERATOR OF THE YEAR (up to 15 coaches)

  • Anthony’s Travel
  • Dunwood Travel
  • Heathside Travel
  • Masons Minibus & Coach Hire
  • Woods Travel

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MEDIUM COACH OPERATOR OF THE YEAR (16 to 40 coaches)

  • Bennetts Coaches
  • Henshaw’s Executive Travel
  • Jason Edwards Travel
  • Llew Jones
  • Passenger Plus

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SMALL/MEDIUM BUS OPERATOR OF THE YEAR (up to 150 buses)

  • Grant Palmer
  • Huyton Travel
  • LibertyBus
  • Stephensons of Essex
  • Uno Buses
  • Warrington’s Own Buses

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LARGE COACH OPERATOR OF THE YEAR (over 40 coaches)

  • Belle Vue (Manchester)
  • Country Lion (Northampton)
  • Cymru Coaches
  • Johnsons Coaches
  • Maynes Coaches
  • Skills Motor Coaches

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LARGE BUS OPERATOR OF THE YEAR (over 150 buses)

  • Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus
  • Cardiff Bus
  • Go North West
  • Go South Coast
  • Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel
  • Reading Buses
  • trentbarton

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SPECIAL AWARD

This category is for the individual who is judged to have made a very special contribution to the industry. The winner will be revealed at the presentation evening on 13 November.

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    ADDRESS

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    PHONE

    +12 (0) 345 678 9

    EMAIL

    [email protected]