Monday October 5th 2026
Lothian Buses team receiving the Bus Operator of the Year award
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Lothian Buses has been named Bus Operator of the Year at the National Transport Awards, while its chief executive has also received a major industry honour.
The operator, which provides services connecting Midlothian with Edinburgh and surrounding areas, was recognised at an awards ceremony in London alongside Edinburgh Trams, which was named Tram Operator of the Year.
Lothian chief executive Sarah Boyd was also named Woman of the Year, recognising her leadership of Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams and her role in bringing the two organisations closer together.
The National Transport Awards celebrate achievements across the UK’s transport industry, with judges recognising Lothian for strong passenger growth and its work in the communities it serves.
Passenger numbers increased by three per cent, with more than one million additional journeys recorded during the busy summer period.
Judges also highlighted Lothian’s charity partnerships with Age Scotland and Shelter Scotland as part of its wider contribution to the communities served by its network.
Edinburgh Trams recorded another record-breaking year, with passenger numbers rising by 3.3 per cent to 12.5 million journeys. The operator was also recognised for investment in ticketing technology and its focus on customer service, safety and reliability.
Sarah Boyd, Chief Executive of Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, said: “I am absolutely delighted that both Lothian and Edinburgh Trams have been recognised at the National Transport Awards.
“These awards are a tremendous honour and a testament to the people who work tirelessly every day to deliver safe, reliable and high-quality public transport for our customers.
“To be recognised as both Bus Operator and Tram Operator of the Year is a fantastic achievement and reflects the strength of Edinburgh’s integrated public transport network. I would like to thank every colleague across both businesses whose dedication, professionalism and commitment have made these successes possible.”
The awards evening also saw Ms Boyd recognised with the Woman of the Year award, reflecting her leadership of two of Scotland’s most significant public transport organisations and her role in the integration of Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams.
Susan Deacon, Chair of Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, said: “These award wins for Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are a testament to the dedication, professionalism and commitment shown by colleagues across both organisations.
“I would also like to congratulate Sarah on being named Woman of the Year, a thoroughly well-deserved recognition.
“The integration of Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams has been driven in no small part by Sarah’s vision, determination and collaborative approach. Her leadership has helped bring the two organisations closer together, creating a stronger, more joined-up public transport network and laying the foundations for an even better experience for our customers and colleagues.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Sarah and all our colleagues for their outstanding contribution to another exceptional year for public transport in Edinburgh.
“These achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished when talented people work together with a shared purpose, and they position us strongly for the opportunities and challenges ahead as we continue to build an integrated, customer-focused transport network for the city and region.”
Tweet Share on Facebook
