Award for outstanding contribution to community transport

Professor Charles Musselwhite receiving the Community Transport Ally of the Year Award from the Community Transport Association.  Photograph by Henry Bird: www.hjbphotography.com

Professor Charles Musselwhite receiving the Community Transport Ally of the Year Award from the Community Transport Association.  Photograph by Henry Bird: www.hjbphotography.com

22 June 2026

A leading expert on transport and ageing has received a national award recognising his outstanding contribution to community transport.

Professor Charles Musselwhite, Head of the Department of Psychology at Aberystwyth University has been named Community Transport Ally of the Year by the Community Transport Association.

Sponsored by Mellor and Treka, the award celebrates individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to community transport, either through direct service delivery or by acting as a strong advocate for the sector.

Professor Musselwhite’s research explores the intersection of transport, mobility, and ageing. He is Co-Director of Aberystwyth University’s Centre for Transport and Mobility.

On receiving the award, Professor Charles Musselwhite said:

“I am absolutely delighted—and a little overwhelmed—to receive this award and I feel honoured to be recognised by a sector I care deeply about. Working alongside brilliant community transport organisations, volunteers, practitioners, policymakers and communities across the UK has been a genuine privilege, and this recognition reflects that shared effort.”

“As researchers, we often hope our work will make a difference. Awards like this are a reminder that research can have real-world impact when it is developed with communities rather than simply about them.”

Gemma Lelliott, Director for Wales at the Community Transport Association, said:

“Everyone at CTA warmly congratulates Professor Charles Musselwhite on receiving this award. Charles has been a longstanding and thoughtful ally to community transport, helping to make the case for its role in supporting independence, connection and wellbeing.

“Through his research, teaching and influencing work, he has helped others see community transport not as a ‘nice to have’, but as essential infrastructure for living well. The judges were especially impressed by the way his commitment goes well beyond the day job.”