Lothian Buses has announced Sarah Boyd as Chief Executive to further the integration between bus and tram services in Edinburgh.
Ms Boyd, who has been Managing Director of the municipal operator since 2022, will also oversee the running of the trams.
Lothian says her “proven track record for delivery in people management, operations and finance” will boost aims to make the bus and tram networks run more coherently.
She has 23 years’ experience in the industry and joined Lothian in 2013, also holding the roles of Head of Operations and Operations Director on her way up the career ladder.
Edinburgh City Council, as the majority shareholder of Lothian and – through subsidiary Edinburgh Transport Limited – of Edinburgh Trams, is seeking to ensure “the combined strengths of both award-winning companies are fully realised for customers, colleagues, and stakeholders alike”.
An integration agreement between Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams is designed to “align their operations” and improve the customer experience.
Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams Managing Director, will continue in that role until the end of January 2026.
Lothian’s current Chair, Susan Deacon and non-executive directors, will be appointed to the board of Edinburgh Trams.
Ms Boyd says: “I am delighted to take on this role at such a pivotal moment for the transport sector.
“By working together, we will harness the collective strengths of both organisations to drive further innovation, deliver exceptional customer service and deliver new opportunities for bus and tram.”
Stephen Jenkinson, Transport Convenor for City of Edinburgh Council, adds: “We want our public transport system to be the best it can be – and this long-awaited step of bringing our two main operators even closer together can only be a good thing for Edinburgh’s travelling public.
“I’d like to congratulate Sarah Boyd and Susan Deacon on their well-deserved appointments. They’ve done an excellent job in leading Lothian over the last few years, and I have no doubt their experience, insight and knowledge will help them to steer our award-winning transport companies through this next vital phase of integration…
“This shift in the way we work together is ultimately to make sure our operators are best equipped to serve our residents and visitors, whilst facing up to the future transport challenges of our city.”
