Young Transport Planner of the Year Award
The Young Transport Planner of the Year Award recognises the achievements and contribution of an early-career professional who is making a positive impact within the transport planning profession.
The award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated professionalism, initiative and commitment early in their career, whether through project work, technical innovation, collaboration, leadership potential, or wider engagement with the profession.
Nominations are invited from members of the Transport Planning Society each year, with the successful candidate selected by the TPS Board.
To be eligible for the award, nominees must:
- be aged under 35 at the time of nomination; and
- has at least five years’ professional experience within the transport planning profession.
The award is presented annually at the Transport Planning Day event in London each November alongside the Society’s Transport Planner of the Year award.
The Young Transport Planner of the Year Award aims to highlight and encourage the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of transport planning.
Previous Recipients of Transport Planner of the Year
Devon Barrett, Young Transport Planner of the Year 2024
CTO of Podaris
At just 28, Devon is already a leader in transport innovation, having led high-profile projects with the likes of Google and Arup. His work has also helped secure nearly £100 million in funding for bus service improvements. Invested in advancing the industry, Devon has trained over 500 planners and regularly leads impactful workshops, shaping the future of transport planning worldwide.
Hannah Donovan, Young Transport Planner of the Year 2024
A transport modeler at Transport for London
Hannah led the benefits analysis for a £200m Docklands Light Railway financing application, securing £10-15m in debt servicing savings for TfL. She also provided critical modelling for a £230m train order on the Elizabeth line, addressing crowding and environmental impacts. Dedicated to professional development, Hannah has mentored graduates and supported colleagues with TPS accreditations. She also played a pivotal role in the £19bn Elizabeth line analysis and has presented at major industry conferences, inspiring the next generation of transport planners.
Grace Bailey, Young Transport Planner of the Year 2023
The first Young Transport Planner of the Year was presented to Grace Bailey, Senior Transport Planner at Atkins, for her work delivering innovative transport decarbonisation work for transformational Local Transport Plans in the Midlands and is being the forefront of helping local authorities achieving Net Zero targets.