Van Wagenen to Lead National Express Transit, Shuttle Divisions

National Express LLC announced several key executive appointments to lead the growth of its newly combined North American Shuttle and Transit business. The new structure supports the company’s strategy to deliver transportation solutions for connected communities, campuses, and workplaces as part of National Express Group.

The announcement completes the planned integration of its Shuttle division (operated by WeDriveU) and Transit division (operating as National Express Transit), extending the momentum of an organization with more than 4,000 employees across 37 regional customer service centers operating a fleet of 2,600 vehicles, including alternative fuel and zero emission. This uniquely positions the combined Shuttle and Transit divisions with unparalleled expertise, scalability, and global best practices to address strong demand from public and private sector customers and evolve their mobility programs into the future.

Leadership Overseeing the New Division:

• Erick Van Wagenen is president and CEO of National Express North America Shuttle and Transit. Previously, as president and CEO of the Shuttle division, Van Wagenen built a 15-year track record expanding the Shuttle business, developing high-performing teams and delivering value to customers, including some of the world’s largest workplace and campus transportation systems.
• Bob Kenna is promoted to COO with a focus on driving operational excellence. With 27 years of experience in transportation and logistics including seven years implementing the company’s largest bus operations. Bob oversees the Operations and Safety teams led by Stephanie Maher, Eddie Cranford, Alex Heliotis, and Amy Paolercio, and Business Planning and Development, led by Stan Kluska.
• John King, Sr. VP, Business Development, for Transit, will continue in his role, reporting to Van Wagenen.
• Tim Wayland, CCO for Shuttle, will assume leadership of the full customer lifecycle by integrating the existing Customer Success and Business Development teams.

“Customers look to National Express Shuttle and Transit as their strategic partner with the passion and expertise to evolve their transportation systems and transform their passenger experience,” said Van Wagenen. “I’m excited to lead our exceptional team in delivering the next generation of mobility for a more sustainable and connected future.”

National Express Shuttle and Transit helps public transit authorities and municipalities expand mobility services for their communities while extending their reach with services for universities, employers, and properties driving prosperity and growth.

“North America represents a tremendous growth opportunity as a center for innovation and investment within National Express Group,” said Ignacio Garat, CEO, National Express Group. “This outstanding leadership team and customer-centric approach positions National Express Shuttle and Transit to lead the future of mobility and realize our vision for driving the modal shift from single occupancy cars to shared, sustainable solutions.”

The new structure fosters agility and innovation, creating a customer-focused organization capable of scaling to meet customers’ evolving needs for fixed route bus services, paratransit services, and demand-responsive programs. Experienced local operations teams and dedicated customer success managers bring fresh thinking, proactive ideas, and curiosity about what’s possible, using cutting-edge technologies and metrics to reimagine the passenger experience.