Southeastern is delighted to reveal that Sonia Maulson, General Manager (North) has been appointed MBE in the King’s first-ever Birthday Honours List.

1992 Saw Sonia’s inspiring career begin on the railways where she was the first woman train driver based at Grove Park Depot where she undertook several rail-based roles. Sonia is now General Manager for the Northern part of Southeastern’s network which covers Southeastern’s Metro and Highspeed services. Work colleagues fondly call Sonia ‘Queen of the North’ because of her current position.

The honour is fitting and well-deserved by Sonia’ who has shown absolute dedication to next-level public service for the rail operator for over 30 years. The award highlights Sonia’s incredible effort in recent times through significant periods in history, including the pandemic and ‘Operation London Bridge’ which supported events for the Mourning Period of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The rail operator played a large part in supporting over 3 million passengers making their way to the centre of London in order to pay their respects.

Sonia’s nomination also focuses on her kindness and support for both colleagues and customers throughout her impressive career.

Gary Maulson, Sonia’s husband and longstanding railway employee, said:

“I cannot stress enough how proud I am of Sonia and of what she has achieved throughout her railway career. She always gives 100% to everything she does. She so deserves this recognition. She is a star that is worthy of all the plaudits that come from such an award. I and the whole family are just so proud.”

David Wornham, Southeastern’s Passenger Services Director said:

“We are so proud of Sonia and this enormously special achievement. Everyone on the railway works incredibly hard to support our customers and each other, and Sonia is absolutely central to making that happen. We are so happy to celebrate this honour from His Majesty for our very own ‘Queen of the North’.”

Steve White, Southeastern’s Managing Director said:

“Sonia’s appointment as MBE is totally fitting recognition of the enormous contribution she makes to our industry and its customers and by extension to public service in our community. She is humble, kind to her team and our customers and driven by an unwavering sense of public duty. We are thrilled she has been honoured in this way.”