Lorna Murphy has been named incoming Director of Buses by Transport for London (TfL). Ms Murphy will take up the role towards the end of 2024 and join from operator Transport UK London Bus, where she is currently Operations and HR Director.
The Director of Buses post is presently being covered on an interim basis by longstanding TfL senior leader Nick Owen, who took up that responsibility following the departure of Glynn Barton after a brief period in the role. Mr Owen will retain interim responsibility for buses in the capital until Ms Murphy joins, a TfL spokesperson has confirmed.
Ms Murphy has enjoyed a 15-year stint with Transport UK London Bus and its predecessor Abellio London, having joined as Operations Manager in 2009. Her industry career began with National Express.
She has also contributed to the success of the Women in Bus and Coach initiative. It was founded by Louise Cheeseman, who is also a former TfL Director of Buses, and Ms Murphy serves as one of nine directors of the advocacy group.
Speaking about the appointment, TfL Chief Operations Officer Claire Mann – also a former Director of Buses – says: “I am delighted that Lorna Murphy will be joining us as Director of Buses.
“Lorna has already worked closely with us as a director of Women in Bus and Coach since its launch in 2023 and she will bring a huge wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. I am looking forward to working with her to build on the many successes of our bus operations when she starts in the role towards the end of the year.”
