Peter Hendy has been given a knighthood. File picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

The capital’s transport commissioner has been knighted in the New Years Honours.

London Underground’s (LU) chief operating officer, Howard Collins, was made an OBE for services to the London 2012 Games and LU, and Nana Nyarko, bus service controller, was made an MBE for services to London Buses following his outstanding bravery and commitment to colleagues and customers during the public disorder of August 2011.

Boris Johnson, mayor of London, said: “Sir Peter Hendy richly deserves this honour. He has shown outstanding leadership as London’s Transport Commissioner, including overseeing the largest ever investment programme in the capital’s transport network and record breaking passenger numbers and operational performance.

“He also led the successful operation of the transport network for the London 2012 Games, demonstrating to the world that London is the best city to live, work, visit and invest in.

“Congratulations too to Howard Collins for his OBE and Nana Nyarko for his MBE. I am sure Sir Peter will be the first to join me in paying tribute to them and to the thousands of London’s transport workers, whose hard work every day is also recognised through these honours.”

London’s independent passenger watchdog also welcomed the honours.

Stephen Locke, chairman of London TravelWatch, said: “It is fitting that Peter has been recognised for his work as London’s Transport Commissioner, overseeing a public transport network that millions of Londoners depend on day in day out.

“He took the lead this summer as London’s transport system rose to the challenge while the eyes of the world were watching and Transport for London delivered a true public transport Games.

“We will continue to work with him and his colleagues to ensure that passengers can benefit from this summer’s legacy.”