Photo credit: Simply Photography
Last week, over 600 senior transport professionals including Transport Secretary Chris Grayling MP gathered at the National Transport Awards 2018 to celebrate the Nation's best transport organisations and the individuals who make a real difference to the industry.
One of those individuals is Cornwall Council's Nigel Blackler who was awarded the 'Outstanding Contribution to Local Transport' honour (sponsored by Siemens).
In his role as Service Director for Transport and Infrastructure Nigel has led the successful application for a 4 year Public Service Obligation to support the Newquay to London air service, and the Cornwall Rail Improvements Package.
Nigel has methodically and quietly pursued his goal of creating a Swiss-style integrated public transport network for Cornwall, with a clear vision backed by a set of work streams to bring the vision into reality. He has used this to put together innovative funding packages from a very wide range of sources, bringing the politicians with him and making use of available powers.
The work he's done, while as Cornish as a cream tea, has shown other rural areas what is possible. At a time when there are questions about the future of rural transport, Nigel has shown what can be done with flair and imagination.
