The chair of Transport for Wales, Vernon Everitt, has been recognised with a prestigious CBE in the 2026 New Year's Honours list. The honour celebrates his exceptional and long-standing contribution to improving public transport networks across the UK.
A Career Dedicated to Public Transport Innovation
Vernon Everitt received the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his outstanding service. His career is marked by leading significant enhancements in customer service and helping to grow passenger numbers on major transport systems. As well as his role leading Transport for Wales, a position he assumed in the summer of 2025, Everitt also serves as Transport Commissioner and Chair of Transport for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
In Manchester, he played a pivotal role in delivering major transport improvements, most notably overseeing the development and launch of the Bee Network. This ambitious project integrates the city region's buses, trams, and trains under one system, featuring better customer service, unified fares, and modern data analytics.
Praise from Political Leaders
Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates, warmly welcomed the honour. He stated: "I am pleased to congratulate Vernon on this well-deserved recognition for his exceptional contribution, pragmatism and innovation in public transport. I was delighted with his appointment as Chair of Transport for Wales and look forward to drawing on his leadership, wisdom and experience as we transform public transport in Wales in 2026."
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, also praised Everitt's work. He said: "This is well-deserved recognition of Vernon’s central role in overseeing the biggest change in public transport outside London in decades. The Bee Network’s success is in large part down to Vernon’s knowledge and commitment to public service." Burnham added that the Bee Network creates a template for transforming public transport across England and looked forward to working with Everitt to integrate rail services in 2026.
Looking Forward: A Template for Transformation
The award underscores the national importance of integrated public transport systems. Everitt's experience in successfully delivering the Bee Network in Manchester is now seen as a valuable asset for his work in Wales. His leadership is expected to be instrumental in driving forward the Welsh Government's own ambitious plans for public transport reform throughout 2026.
Before becoming chair, Vernon Everitt was already familiar with Transport for Wales, having previously served as a non-executive member of its board. His CBE recognises a career dedicated to making public transport more effective, efficient, and passenger-focused across different regions of the UK.
