The retirement of outgoing Bus Users UK Chief Executive Claire Walters has been marked with a bus naming in her honour.
Ms Walters, who had held the role since 2012, received the surprise tribute of having her name emblazoned on a National Express West Midlands bus.
It was organised by the Bus Users UK team, along with Transport for West Midlands and National Express West Midlands.
Ms Walters, who was replaced by new CEO Lydia Horbury on 13 October, says: “Bus Users UK plays a vital role in improving services and accessibility, and ensuring passengers and local communities are at the heart of transport planning.
“Being part of that has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and working alongside such a highly dedicated team has been truly inspiring. Having a bus named after me is the icing on the cake of my challenging and immensely fulfilling 13-year bus journey!”
Bus Users UK commended Ms Walters for her long service in fighting for the rights of bus users on behalf of the charity.
Chair of Bus Users UK, Jennie Martin MBE, says: “It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Claire Walters and thank her for her unstinting efforts to secure the best, most accessible, most affordable bus services for people all around the UK.
“However it is with joy that we celebrate the transformation of Bus Users UK, which she achieved during her 13-year tenure, leaving the charity a nationally respected voice for passengers and the best ADR (alternative dispute resolution) service available to bus operators.
“Claire has a great relationship with the team at Bus Users UK which is no small commendation, and is a respected voice of authority throughout the bus sector. It is a cliché to say that we will not see her like again, but in this case, it is the truth.”
Ms Horbury adds: “Claire has been an exceptional leader and a passionate advocate for passengers.
“Her dedication, integrity and deep understanding of the challenges faced by bus users have shaped Bus Users UK into the respected organisation it is today.
“Claire leaves behind an incredible legacy and she will be sorely missed by colleagues, partners and the many people whose lives she has touched through her work. We wish her all the happiness she so richly deserves in her retirement.”
