I tried to run a South Yorkshire Bus Company
When: 28 January 2026, 16:30 - 18:45
Where: Atrium IC6, Denise Coates Building, Keele University
“I tried to run a South Yorkshire Bus Company',
Having been Managing Director of First in the Midlands since 2013 Nigel Eggleton was asked in 2020 to additionally take responsibility for First's struggling South Yorkshire operation serving Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster. What followed is a tale of financial recovery, innovative marketing, a fascinating trade union relationship, staff morale and lessons about dealing with influential stakeholders and politicians. Along with this account, Nigel will also comment about life in a corporate structure and what we may learn about running local bus services.
Nigel Eggleton Bio:
Born in North East England, Nigel Eggleton has over 40 years’ experience of the
public transport industry. Of that career, more than 25 years were spent at
executive level in the bus sector.
Nigel’s Director-level work spans positions with Arriva, First Bus, Go-Ahead and
Transdev Blazefield, with disciplines captured including commercial, operations,
and sales and marketing.
Most recently, Nigel was Managing Director of First Bus’s South Yorkshire and
Midlands business. There he led 2,000 employees and was responsible for 750
vehicles at five depots. Achievements in that role included a significant reduction
in lost mileage and a large improvement in reliability.
In addition, Nigel is Chair of the Omnibus Society and the Leicester Transport
Historic Trust. He’s a Trustee of the UK Bus Archive and a judge for the annual
Route One awards.
Note: If you are not a current Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, please be aware our membership team may be in touch with you using your email address provided regards membership opportunities. If you do not wish to be contacted please email and let us know at regions@ciltuk.org.uk
PAS2.2 Passenger Transport Ownership, Control, Policies and Legislation
LE1.1 Leadership, Development, Organisational Culture and Change Management
LE2.1 Customer Service and Relationship Management