Leon Daniels, Chair of the Bus Centre of Excellence (BCoE) Advisory Board and former Managing Director of Surface Transport at Transport for London, joined CIHT’s Justin Ward to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. With a career spanning the UK, Hong Kong, and the USA, Daniels brought a global perspective to the conversation.

Leon Daniels candidly shared that his own entry into the bus industry was accidental, evolving from a publishing role into sightseeing and eventually London’s tendered bus market. While not a recommended route, his story underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and finding passion in unexpected places.

Listen here:  [or find the podcast on most podcast channels including Apple and Spotify]

Technology, AI, and the Future of Buses

A key theme of the discussion was the transformative role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Daniels highlighted how AI is already being used to improve service efficiency, such as predicting passenger journeys and optimising maintenance schedules. He emphasised that the sector is still in the early stages of this technological revolution, offering exciting prospects for data analysts, engineers, and planners.

Decarbonisation and Social Impact
The podcast also touched on the growing appeal of the sector to environmentally conscious young professionals. “Imagine being able to say, ‘I’m helping save the planet by decarbonising the bus fleet,’” Daniels said, pointing to the shift toward electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Devolution and Local Innovation
With the rise of metro mayors and combined authorities, Leon Daniels sees a growing opportunity for localised decision-making in transport. He praised cities like Manchester for leading the way in creating greener, more pedestrian-friendly environments, while cautioning that devolution must be matched with adequate funding and skills development.

Reflecting Society in the Workforce
Leon Daniels stressed the importance of diversity, arguing that the workforce should reflect the communities it serves. He called for greater flexibility in employment practices and more local autonomy to meet the unique needs of different regions.

A Diverse Range of Roles
Leon Daniels highlighted the wide array of exciting roles available in the bus sector. From scheduling and planning to market research, engineering, and data analysis, the industry offers meaningful career paths that allow professionals to see the real-world impact of their work. Daniels emphasised that the ability to walk outside and witness the results of one’s efforts makes the sector uniquely satisfying.

Career Development and Advice for New Starters
For those just entering the industry, Daniels offered a simple but powerful piece of advice: “Keep your contact list up to date.” He explained that building and maintaining professional relationships is key to long-term success in the sector.

He also encouraged career mobility, noting that experience across different transport modes and sectors can accelerate progression. “The bus industry offers faster project delivery and more visible impact than many other sectors,” he said.

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