New Ops Manager for Thames Travel and Carousel Buses

Pawel Polewski has been promoted to Operations Manager across Go-Ahead Group-owned Thames Travel and Carousel Buses.

Mr Polewski oversees the operation of a combined fleet of more than 100 vehicles serving in excess of five million passengers in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, with services extending into Berkshire, Hertfordshire and Greater London.

Pawel first joined Thames Travel in 2018 as a Commercial and Planning Officer after moving to the UK from Poland. He graduated from Brunel University London with a degree in Civil Engineering.

“Now, I’m responsible for our schedules, driving rotas, the control room and our entire backroom operation and team who do a great job in delivering our services even in the most challenging circumstances” – Pawel Polewski

The Didcot, Oxfordshire resident was then promoted as the bus operator’s Planning Officer and then Service Delivery Manager where he was responsible for overseeing its services, managing the control room and taking ownership of driver compliance. He was then promoted to Operations Manager for Thames Travel, with the role now being expanded to include Carousel Buses.

Pawel said: “I have always enjoyed driving, and the transport sector interested me when I moved over to the UK as a teenager. I worked as a driver on local bus routes, coaches and airport runs before taking my skills into what I do today.

“Now, I’m responsible for our schedules, driving rotas, the control room and our entire backroom operation and team who do a great job in delivering our services even in the most challenging circumstances.

“No two days are the same. It’s a very fast-paced role where good problem-solving skills, team cohesion and communication are key in delivering a quality and reliable service.”

“I don’t believe in asking my team to complete tasks which I couldn’t do myself” – Pawel Polewski

Despite his new role, he still takes on occasional bus driving shifts. “I don’t believe in asking my team to complete tasks which I couldn’t do myself,” he said. “So, working in the control room and getting out on the roads as a driver is something I do regularly.

“Having that flexibility contributes to a positive team morale where everyone feels valued and understood.

“People can progress their career at Thames Travel. It has helped me to identify my skills and change roles within the group which is really rewarding as now I’m leading my own team and building a great culture.

“There are many transferable skills which can be applied to our wide range of roles so I would definitely recommend the transport sector to anyone considering a career change this year.”

Luke Marion, Thames Travel and Carousel Buses Managing Director, said: “Pawel’s journey is a shining example of what can be achieved within our group of companies. The bus industry offers so many opportunities for personal development and career progression and we’re really proud of what Pawel has achieved over a relatively short space of time.

“Pawel’s enthusiastic and approachable personality contributes to a great working atmosphere which we strongly believe has a positive impact on the experiences of our passengers and colleagues. I wish Pawel every success in his new role and thank him for his continued hard work.”