Transport Events Group has announced that Jane Cole OBE, the retiring Blackpool Transport MD, has accepted their invitation to chair their new Award Scheme, the Leadership in Passenger Transport Awards.
Jane took the helm at Blackpool Transport in 2014, joining from the rail industry where she had enjoyed a distinguished career, latterly as regional manager for Liverpool and Manchester services with Virgin Trains. During her time in Blackpool, she has overseen the development and extension of the famous Blackpool tramway and transformed the bus network – winning the title of UK Bus Operator of the Year in 2025. She was appointed OBE by the King in this year’s New Year’s Honours List.
Welcoming her appointment, TEG chair Giles Fearnley commented, “I’m delighted that Jane has agreed to join our exciting new venture. At TEG, we’re passionate about recognising and rewarding excellence and good practice, in order to help passenger transport providers to deliver brilliant service to their customers. I know that Jane shares that belief. Her multi-modal experience in passenger transport is almost unique, and we look forward to working with her and to receiving her wise counsel.”
Jane Cole said, “I am delighted to be joining the LiPTA team at this exciting time. Throughout my career, I have seen the importance of strong and effective leadership at all levels – which so often is taken for granted and too often goes without reward. In bus, coach, rail and light rail services, we rely on skills, talent and commitment of our staff and especially our leaders at all levels. I believe that an award scheme like LiPTA can make a real difference.”
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