The Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester has been recognised in the New Year Honours for his role in delivering major changes to public transport across the city region.
Vernon Everitt has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his outstanding contribution to public transport.
As Transport Commissioner and chair of Transport for Greater Manchester’s executive board, he has played a central role in shaping and delivering wide ranging improvements to services used daily by communities across Greater Manchester.
Advising Mayor Andy Burnham and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Mr Everitt has led the development and delivery of the Bee Network, the city region’s joined up public transport system bringing together buses, trams and trains with improved customer service, fares and ticketing and modern data use.
His work has taken place during a period of rapid change, including the return of bus services to local control and significant improvements to reliability, accountability and passenger experience.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said the honour reflected the scale of change delivered under Mr Everitt’s leadership.
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. With it, he has created a template for the transformation of public transport across England in the years to come.
“We congratulate Vernon on his honour and look forward to working with him to bring rail into the Bee Network in 2026.”
Responding to the award, Mr Everitt thanked colleagues and partners across the city region.
He said, “I want to thank the Mayor, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Transport for Greater Manchester for allowing me to be part of the Bee Network journey.
“While there is much still to do for the people and businesses of the region, real progress has been made thanks to the vision of local leaders and the hard work of TfGM and Manchester’s districts, transport workers and industry partners.
“I look forward to working with them in the period ahead to complete the job.”
Alongside his work in Greater Manchester, Mr Everitt became chair of Transport for Wales in July 2025, having previously served as a non executive director for nearly six years.
His earlier career included senior leadership roles at Transport for London, where he was managing director for customers, communication and technology and led the pan government and transport industry communications strategy for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
He has also held senior positions at the Financial Services Authority and the Bank of England.
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