Power 20

Transit is shortly to publish its “Power 50”—the ultimate who’s who in the transport business. We’re not sure how many of the 50 will be bus people or within the rail or light rail industries (or all three). Here, we give you Omnibuses’ top 20 busmen (no women present, sorry, though we tried). We’ve tried to encompass the diversity of the whole industry, large and small, in as few words as possible. Conscious that this can be subjective, see what you think and add your thoughts via the comment box…

• Robert Wright, Wrightbus—First British low floors and style with it.


• Dennis Wormwell, Shearings—National Express image & culture change, and passenger growth. Same at Shearings?


• Ray Stenning, Best Impressions—Re-writing how we livery buses—and how we market them, too.


• Brian Souter, Stagecoach—Carved a multi-million transport empire out of nothing. Can he do no wrong?


• Russell Richardson, Optare—Against the odds saviour of Roe and producer of stunning designs along the way.


• Neil Renilson, Lothian Buses—Culture change, identity change, passenger growth.


• Simon Posner, CPT—Both high- and low-profile campaigning on all our behalves.


• Peter O'Neil, The King's Ferry—Building Britain's best known independent coach brand was a lifetime's work.


• Mike Morgan, routeONE—Hands on, respected and popular journalist.


• Keith Ludeman, Go Ahead—The leader of the Big Five group retains the lighter touch.


• Moir Lockhead, First—Initiated such schemes as ftr and First Student—now taking First into the FTSE100.


• Brian King, Trent Barton—buyout to colourful class leader, first with 100 per cent SLFs and charter.


• Peter Huntley, Go North East—Simplicity at TAS, colour (and growth) at revitalised Go North East.


• Mark Howarth, Western Greyhound—Multiple-award winner and innovator, even without low floors.


• Peter Hendy, TfL—Ideas, strategy and oversight of London's growth. Oh and chair of CfIT.


• Giles Fearnley, Transdev Blazefield—Gentleman bus man with flair for growth—and leather seats.


• Roger French, Brighton & Hove—Partnership builder, community builder, award winner. Modest enough to feature hemself on the side of one of his buses!


• Ben Coulson, Norfolk Green—Who said an independent need be unimaginative? Who said there can't be rural growth?


• Richard Bowker, National Express—Brand builder extraordinary.


• Gavin Booth, Bus Users UK—Experienced busman turned gamekeeper, plus one of our most prolific writers.