The Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates, has congratulated Vernon Everitt, Chair of Transport for Wales, on being appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year’s Honours List.
The award recognises Everitt’s outstanding contribution to public transport during a career spanning senior leadership roles in Greater Manchester, London and, most recently, Wales.
His recognition comes at a pivotal moment for public transport in Wales, with major national reforms and investments reshaping how passengers travel across the country.
The Welsh Government’s £800 million investment in brand‑new trains for the Wales and Borders network is already transforming the passenger experience. These modern fleets are designed to deliver improved comfort, reliability and accessibility, marking one of the biggest upgrades to Wales’ rail system in recent years. Officials say the trains are already making a measurable difference for rail users as they continue to roll out across the network.
Alongside rail improvements, the new Bus Services Bill promises a fundamental shift in how bus routes are planned and delivered. The Welsh Government intends to create a single, integrated national network, with:
- one timetable,
- one ticketing system, and
- services coordinated around passenger needs.
The goal is to build a more reliable and user‑friendly system, strengthening public confidence in bus travel and improving connections for communities across Wales.
Since taking up the role of Chair in July 2025, Vernon Everitt has brought extensive experience from major UK transport networks. His leadership in both Greater Manchester and London has been widely recognised, particularly in:
- delivering major improvements to customer service, and
- driving growth in passenger numbers across complex networks.
Congratulating Vernon on the award, Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said:
“I am pleased to congratulate to 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.”
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