Rail and wider public transport professionals from across the UK have been recognised in the King’s 2026 New Year Honours List, highlighting the breadth of contribution being made across safety, operations, community engagement, skills, diversity and leadership.
Among those honoured are current and former Network Rail colleagues, train operator staff, engineers, police officers and sector leaders, reflecting the collective effort behind Britain’s railways and light rail networks.
Manjinder (Manny) Kang, Community Safety Manager at Network Rail, and Sonia Hazel, Assurance and Controls Manager on the HS2 programme, have both been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM). Former Network Rail regional managing director Rob McIntosh has received an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the railway in the north of England.
Manny Kang, who has worked on the railway for 25 years, is recognised for his long-standing commitment to educating children about railway safety and the dangers of trespass. His inclusive approach, often delivered in multiple languages and shaped by his faith, has helped him connect with thousands of young people from diverse backgrounds each year. Alongside his professional role, he has raised more than £300,000 for dementia charities, earning a Pride of Britain award in 2025 and inspiring Dementia UK’s Fans vs Dementia initiative.
“It’s a surprise and deeply humbling. Keeping children safe is a role for all of us. I hope this inspires others to make a difference where they can.”
Sonia Hazel is recognised for her leadership in safety, inclusion and wellbeing across the rail industry. A Health First Aider, workplace mediator and Samaritans volunteer, she is also deputy chair of the Ethnicity and Race in Rail group. She created the Tea Break initiative, providing safe spaces for black, Asian and minority ethnic colleagues to share experiences and raise concerns, a programme now being adopted beyond the rail sector.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be recognised. I just wanted to help colleagues feel able to be themselves at work. Knowing that this work makes a real difference is very humbling.”
Rob McIntosh receives an OBE for a career that includes leading major enhancements such as the Borders Railway, upgrades to the East Coast and Midland Main Lines, and the establishment of the Transpennine Route Upgrade. He also championed the SPEED approach to project delivery, unlocking billions of pounds in savings, and has been a strong advocate for skills, social mobility and rehabilitation programmes.
“I am really very humbled to be recognised in this way. I’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional people throughout my career.”
Jane Cole OBE, managing director of Blackpool Transport, has also been recognised for her contribution to public transport. Since joining the organisation in 2014, she has overseen major improvements to bus and tram services for Fylde Coast residents and the area’s 18 million annual visitors, while playing an influential role in shaping transport policy at local, regional and national level.
“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.”
Carl Williams, managing director of the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, welcomed the recognition.
“This recognition for Jane is well deserved as she’s worked tirelessly on behalf of the light rail sector and the wider public transport industry.
“We are particularly grateful for the contribution she is making to enhancing sector safety, bringing a wealth of experience to her role as a member of the LRSSB board.”
Other rail industry recipients in the New Year Honours List include William Charles Johnston, executive director of the Railway Mission, for services to the rail workforce; Timothy Denning Sparrow, founder of the South East Communities Rail Partnership, for services to community railways; Andrew Kevin Windass, senior engineer at AGH Engineering, for services to rail engineering; Thomas Allan Gilmour, police community support officer with British Transport Police, for services to railway safety; Carter Jack David Goodby, people business partner at LNER, for services to diversity and inclusion; and Mark Robert Jones, customer assistant at Southeastern, for services to community railway.
Jeremy Westlake, chief executive of Network Rail, said the honours underline the collective impact of the sector’s people.
“These honours reflect the dedication and impact of our people. Manny and Sonia exemplify what it means to put safety, inclusion and community at the heart of our work, while Rob’s leadership has helped transform the railway for millions of passengers.”
The 2026 New Year Honours recognise individuals who have gone above and beyond in service to rail, public transport and the communities they serve across the UK.
