Honours List OBE for Blackpool Transport Managing Director
5 months ago
The Managing Director of Blackpool’s tram and bus operator has been recognised with an OBE in the King’s New Year Honours List for services to public transport and the local community.
Jane Cole OBE has led Blackpool Transport since 2014 and made a huge contribution to improving bus and tram services for Fylde Coast residents, as well as the 18 million visitors the area attracts each year.
Since joining the organisation after more than three decades in the rail industry, she has seen the operator scoop numerous industry awards. At the same time, she has brought her knowledge, experience and energy to the development of commercial, educational, industrial and transport policy at a local, regional and national level.
On the release of the Honours List this week, she said: “It really is a privilege to serve the people of Blackpool and the surrounding areas, and I receive this award with humility. This recognition belongs as much to the people who have inspired and supported me as it does to me.
“It has been an honour to work with so many remarkable people here on the Fylde Coast over the past 12 years, and during 35 years in the wider rail industry.
“I am also grateful for having the opportunity to make a contribution to public transport, a sector that brings together communities and is vitally important to so many people who rely on it every day.”
Throughout her career, Jane has been a strong advocate for women in transport, and in 2021 became the first female president of the industry trade association The Confederation of Passenger Transport.
She is also a non-executive Director of the Road Operators Safety Council and the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board.
A past President of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Lancashire Combined County Authority Business Board and a Board Member of Blackpool and Fylde College.