Van Wagenen to Lead National Express Transit, Shuttle Divisions
The new structure supports the company’s strategy to deliver transportation solutions for connected communities, campuses, and workplaces as part of National Express Group.

Erick Van Wagenen is president and CEO of National Express North America Shuttle and Transit.
National Express
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.
More New Mobility

From Hardware to Digital Partner: Luminator Charts Its Next Chapter
CEO Magnus Friberg discusses Luminator’s shift toward becoming a digital partner, the growing importance of software and interoperability, and how AI can help agencies improve operations and passenger experience.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CharterUP’s Armir Harris on Technology, AI, and the Future of Group Mobility
In a recent episode of METROspectives, CharterUP Founder/CEO Armir Harris discussed the company’s evolution from an online charter bus marketplace into a technology platform supporting public- and private-sector mobility and much more.
Read More →
Jacksonville’s NAVI Project Charts a New Course for Autonomous Public Transportation
Through its NAVI program, JTA is showing how autonomous vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and coordinated operations can work together to deliver everyday public transportation.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Luminator Marks Milestone and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Joshua Schank on Making Transit Innovation Stick
Former LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank discusses why good ideas aren't enough, how transit agencies can overcome resistance to change, and why today's challenges demand more innovation.
Read More →
How DART's GoPass Is Redefining Regional Mobility
Serving 14 transit agencies, GoPass simplifies multimodal travel by allowing riders to plan, pay for, and manage an entire trip through one app.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: OCTA Taps Clean Energy for Hydrogen Station, Stadler to Supply Via Rail Vehicles, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
CharterUP Expands Into New Mobility and Autonomous Transportation
Vice President of New Mobility Stephen Joos discusses how CharterUP is leveraging its nationwide transportation network, technology platform, and autonomous vehicle partnerships to expand into workforce mobility, campus shuttles, and transit solutions.
Read More →
METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners
Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence
Read More →