Celebrating the winners of the CT26 Awards
Thank you to everyone who joined us at The Midland Hotel in Manchester for the CT26 Awards. It was a brilliant evening bringing people from across the community transport sector together to celebrate the organisations, partnerships and individuals making a real difference in their communities.
We’re very grateful to our wonderful judges, who did an incredible job judging the unprecedented number of nominations we received this year, and to all of our sponsors for helping us recognise and celebrate the impact of community transport across the UK.
We were also delighted to welcome Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Roads and Buses, as part of the evening, and our thanks go to Gemma Lelliott, our Director for Wales and Head of Advice and Support, who did a fantastic job hosting the awards.
Here are your CT26 Award winners.
Partnership of the Year
Sponsored by Dawson Group and Women in Bus and Coach
Winner: PACTO and Royal Voluntary Service, Pembrokeshire
This award recognises a partnership that shows how working together can make community transport stronger. PACTO and Royal Voluntary Service, Pembrokeshire were recognised for their joined-up approach to support, with clear roles, shared targets and coordinated referrals.
The judges praised the partnership as truly inspirational and a strong example of partnership working, delivering practical support that reduces health inequalities, tackles transport as a driver of social exclusion and supports smaller grassroots providers.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sponsored by ForEV
Winner: Waverley Hoppa Community Transport
This award recognises an organisation taking clear, practical steps to reduce its environmental impact while continuing to deliver vital, inclusive transport.
Waverley Hoppa Community Transport stood out for an approach that goes beyond transport alone. The judges noted how sustainability is embedded across the organisation, with work that looks at wider energy saving and supports a local circular economy model.
CT Ally of the Year
Sponsored by Mellor and Treka
Winner: Professor Charles Musselwhite
This award recognises an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to Community Transport, either through direct involvement or by being a strong ally and supporter of the movement.
Professor Charles Musselwhite was recognised for taking his allyship well beyond the day job. The judges highlighted how he champions community transport through his research, teaching and influencing work, helping others understand its role as essential infrastructure for a good life.
CT Organisation of the Year 1–5 Vehicles
Sponsored by TBC Conversions
Winner: Holsworthy Community Transport
This award recognises a smaller Community Transport organisation that goes above and beyond to support its community, often with limited resources.
Holsworthy Community Transport impressed the judges with clear evidence of rural need and strong impact, particularly through its work tackling isolation and enabling access to health through its Cars to Care scheme. The judges also noted the organisation’s strong staff retention and the powerful user feedback shared through film, which showed the difference being made every day.
CT Organisation of the Year 6+ Vehicles
Sponsored by PHVC
Winner: Glenfarg Community Transport Group
This award recognises a larger Community Transport organisation delivering high-quality, accessible and inclusive services at scale.
Glenfarg Community Transport Group was recognised for offering a comprehensive, agile and inclusive service, combining technology with personalised support for passengers. The judges praised the organisation as an excellent example of inclusive rural innovation, with strong evidence of impact and a clear commitment to building community.
Volunteer of the Year
Sponsored by Rivervale Minibus
Winner: Joan Stace, Manorbier and District Community Transport Association, PACTO
This award recognises an exceptional volunteer whose time, care and commitment make a real difference to their local community.
Joan Stace was recognised for a lifetime of service to community transport. Her work helped establish Manorbier and District Community Transport Association, creating vital transport links for school children, isolated residents and local organisations. Her determination has helped build a stronger, more connected and more inclusive community.
MiDAS Driver of the Year
Sponsored by GM Coachwork
Winner: Darren Shore, The Sprint Community Transport
This award recognises an outstanding driver who demonstrates excellence in their role and a strong commitment to the principles of MiDAS.
Darren Shore was recognised for the care, attention and respect he brings to every journey. His nomination highlighted the way he builds trust with passengers, takes time to understand their needs and works with colleagues to ensure everyone travels safely and comfortably. From noticing when someone may need extra support to making passengers feel reassured and valued, Darren’s approach reflects the best of community transport.
MiDAS Driver Assessor of the Year
Sponsored by EVM
Winner: Gayle Roberts, RAKAT
This award recognises the vital role MiDAS Driver Assessors play in supporting safe, inclusive and high-quality community transport.
Gayle Roberts was recognised for the positive and supportive learning environment she creates. Learner feedback praised her clear communication, thorough approach and ability to put people at ease while maintaining high standards.
MiDAS Organisation of the Year
Sponsored by CTA Insurance Partners BCD and WRS
Winner: Dial a Ride Denbighshire
Special Commendation: Birmingham City Council
This award recognises a Community Transport organisation that shows excellence in delivering MiDAS and supporting drivers to deliver safe, legal and comfortable journeys.
Dial a Ride Denbighshire was recognised for its long-standing commitment to MiDAS training and its strong relationship with CTA. The organisation has delivered a wide range of MiDAS training over many years, supported the development of new training materials and continued to embrace changes that strengthen safety and quality across the sector.
Birmingham City Council also received a special commendation from the judges in recognition of their outstanding work delivering MiDAS as a Local Authority, highlighting their dedication to quality training and their contribution to improving transport safety and accessibility within their community.
Steve Moore Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by Minibus Options
Winner: David Monaghan BEM, Fermanagh Community Transport
The Steve Moore Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual who has dedicated many years to supporting and championing community transport, leaving a lasting legacy for people and communities.
David Monaghan BEM was recognised for more than 25 years of service to rural community transport in Northern Ireland. From helping establish one of the region’s earliest rural community transport schemes to guiding growth, supporting staff, managing vehicles and advocating for funding, David’s contribution has been practical, strategic and deeply rooted in community need.
His work has helped shape Fermanagh Community Transport into a service delivering tens of thousands of journeys each year, connecting people across rural communities and improving access to vital services.
Congratulations again to all of this year’s winners, finalists and nominees. The CT26 Awards were a chance to recognise the people and organisations who keep communities connected every day, and to celebrate the care, skill and commitment that runs throughout the community transport sector.