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Schedulers are the unsung heroes of the bus depot, so we're delighted to team up with Passenger Transport magazine to give them the credit they deserve.
The Joe Wood Scheduler of the Year Award seeks to raise awareness of the important work done by schedulers, and celebrate leaders in the field. It's also a tribute to our friend and colleague Joe Wood.
We received nominations from bus companies large and small, from across the UK and beyond. The judging panel, which included Deputy Editor of Passenger Transport Andrew Garnett, 2021 CPT President Jane Cole, Go North East MD Martijn Gilbert and last year’s winner – trentbarton scheduler Richard Sherratt, has reviewed all the entries and selected their shortlist:
Adriana Catalina, Stagecoach Bus
Adriana constantly works to improve every aspect of every schedule she produces. She always keeps within cost and budgetary constraints, whilst at the same time producing better duties and rotas that meet evolving staff requirements.
Adriana is able to engage with colleagues at all levels across the business and her honest and open approach improves communication between all involved. Her commitment is incredible and she is an exceptionally well respected member of the Stagecoach team.
Adriana is able to engage with colleagues at all levels across the business and her honest and open approach improves communication between all involved.
Graham Atkins, Yellow Buses
Graham's can-do attitude is a breath of fresh air. He is willing to take on additional responsibilities that a traditional scheduler would not see as part of their role – from making sure the right duties are loaded into the ticket machine to ensuring that the journey planner on the website, the real timings on the roadside and the Bus Open Data are all correct and aligned.
During the pandemic, the Yellow Buses network was updated around 15 times. Each time, Graham produced schedules for the drivers, timetables for the public, updated the ticket machines and changed the destination blind.
Graham is willing to take on additional responsibilities that a traditional scheduler would not see as part of their role.
Mariusz Przybylski, Abellio London
Mariusz undertakes his role with pride and determination to deliver the best results. His enthusiasm, commitment and dedication - especially with the relentless workload during the pandemic - demonstrate his true ability and professionalism, which is recognised across Abellio London.
Mariusz has established strong relationships with the Operations, Engineering and Performance teams, working closely with them to understand feedback and incorporate changes to schedules and responses to issues that may not otherwise have been possible.
Mariusz's enthusiasm, commitment and dedication demonstrate his true ability and professionalism, which is recognised across Abellio London.
Mat Hidson, National Express West Midlands
Mat has a two-pronged approach to scheduling - combining data, statistics and modern technology with his deep knowledge of the National Express bus network and hands-on experience gained by driving the routes.
Mat has managed to adjust schedules and increase punctuality and average speed across the network. He uses technology to create various different scenarios and takes time to analyse and question the outputs. This approach has been crucial during the pandemic, when mobility patterns and congestion levels have changed multiple times.
Mat has managed to adjust schedules and increase punctuality and average speed across the network.
Stuart Fillingham, First Bus
Stuart's ongoing engagement with First Bus's internal teams has ensured an optimised service provision, with maximum operational efficiency at all times.
All finalists win a trip to Galway, Ireland for the award ceremony on Friday, 25th February, which will also be broadcast online.
