Anne Shaw, Executive Director of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), has been honoured with an OBE in recognition of her role in spearheading the successful transport planning and operations during last summer’s Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The accolade was announced in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Anne’s leadership was instrumental in coordinating multiple authorities and transport operators to deliver a “complex travel package” for the event. Measures included free public transport, the deployment of hundreds of extra shuttle buses, strategically located park and ride facilities, and free cycle hire for spectators.
Anne’s leadership extended beyond the Commonwealth Games, as she played a pivotal role in the development of the Regional Transport Coordination Centre (RTCC) in 2020. The RTCC oversees the West Midlands’ road, rail, bus, and tram networks, serving as a hub for traffic and transport management during major events.
By fostering collaboration between the region’s local authorities, transport operators, and emergency services, TfWM says the RTCC has improved journey experiences for residents and visitors while keeping the public informed with up-to-date travel information.
“It’s a great honour to be recognised for our contribution to the success of Birmingham 2022,” she comments. “This achievement is not just for me but also for the fantastic team of talented individuals here at TfWM, as well as the wider transport community.
“Together, we ensured the seamless transportation of over a million spectators, athletes, and officials to and from their events, all while the rest of the region continued with their daily journeys. It was a tremendously rewarding experience, and I am immensely proud of our collective achievements. This honor is the icing on the cake.”
Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, congratulates Anne on her well-deserved honour: “Being responsible for transport is not always the easiest task, but Anne has consistently embraced the challenge, leading TfWM day in and day out. Her unwavering commitment to enhancing the journey experience for local people throughout our region and creating a better-connected West Midlands is commendable.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude for Anne’s remarkable contributions, particularly her pivotal role in designing and developing the Commonwealth Games Transport Plan, which proved its mettle by successfully delivering a spectacular summer of collective celebration.”
