First Bus Engineering Leader Awarded BEM in King's Birthday Honours

Peter Mambara, Head of Technical and Training at First Bus, has received the honour for services to Public Transport and Transport Engineering in the bus industry.

Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Peter has helped improve vehicle reliability, reduce emissions, develop engineering talent, and advance technical innovation across the UK bus sector, while playing key leadership roles in some of the industry's most significant engineering and operational programmes.

His work has benefited operators, manufacturers, regulators, and passengers alike, while helping to support the industry's transition to a more sustainable future.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Peter began his engineering career as an apprentice in 1996, driven by a fascination with understanding how vehicles work and how they can be improved. After qualifying as an engineer, he spent six years training apprentice engineers before moving to the UK with his family to continue his career in the bus industry.

Building his career through technical and engineering leadership roles with major operators including Metroline and Arriva, Peter established a reputation for solving complex challenges and sharing his expertise to improve standards across the sector.

Janette Bell, Managing Director of First Bus, said:

"Peter's British Empire Medal is richly deserved recognition for someone who has dedicated his career to improving the bus industry, and supporting the people who work within it.

"His technical expertise is widely respected across the sector, but what truly sets Peter apart is his willingness to share that knowledge for the benefit of others. Whether working with manufacturers, supporting colleagues, mentoring apprentices or helping develop future engineering talent, Peter consistently goes above and beyond.

"He has played a significant role in improving the reliability, sustainability, and performance of bus fleets across the UK, while helping to ensure the industry has the skills it needs for the future. We are incredibly proud to see his contribution recognised through this honour."

Throughout his career, Peter has delivered innovations that have benefited the wider bus industry, not just the organisations he has worked for.

During his career in London, Peter held a number of senior engineering leadership roles, including serving as Engineering Lead for Metroline’s operations during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Working alongside Transport for London, LOCOG, and fellow operators, Peter was responsible for the engineering operation supporting a fleet of 100 buses dedicated to transporting the world's media throughout the Games. The role required meticulous planning, operational excellence, and close collaboration across the industry to help deliver one of the largest and most complex transport operations ever undertaken in the UK.

He also led the conversion of 700 buses to Euro VI emissions standards, helping improve air quality across the capital, and supporting the industry's wider sustainability ambitions.

His collaborative approach has seen him work closely with vehicle manufacturers to improve vehicle design, performance and reliability, helping ensure passengers across the country benefit from safer, more dependable and more efficient bus services.

Since joining First Bus in 2019, Peter has played a leading role in the company's engineering transformation, supporting the introduction of new technologies, and helping shape the future of zero-emission bus operations.

Working alongside manufacturers, including Wrightbus, Alexander Dennis, BYD and Yutong, he has contributed to the development of electric vehicle technology and innovative diesel-to-electric repower programmes, helping extend vehicle life, reduce emissions, and accelerate the transition to cleaner public transport.

Alongside his technical achievements, Peter has been a passionate advocate for skills development throughout his career.

Recognising the importance of preparing the industry's workforce for new technologies, he led the development of Institute of the Motor Industry-certified training programmes for colleagues working in electrified environments. He also established an apprentice programme offering Level 4 high-voltage training, helping create pathways into skilled green jobs and supporting the next generation of engineers.

More than 400 First Bus employees have benefited from the programmes he helped create, gaining valuable skills that will support the future of the transport sector.

Outside of work, Peter is an active member of his local Catholic community in Stanford-le-Hope. He serves as a youth advisor for Zimbabwe Catholics at his parish, while also undertaking responsibilities as safeguarding lead and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Reflecting on receiving the honour, Peter said: "It is a tremendous honour and a privilege to receive a British Empire Medal.

"When I began my engineering apprenticeship nearly 30 years ago, I could never have imagined receiving recognition like this. Engineering has been my life's work and I have been fortunate to spend my career doing something I genuinely love.

"I have always believed in sharing knowledge, helping others develop their skills, and working together to solve problems. Throughout my career I have been supported by outstanding colleagues, mentors, friends and family, and I see this honour as recognition of the many people who have been part of that journey.

"The bus industry connects people, supports communities, and changes lives every day. I am proud to have contributed to an industry that plays such an important role, and I remain passionate about helping develop the next generation of engineers who will shape its future."