Bus Users UK has appointed former Traffic Commissioner Joan Aitken as Chair of its Board of Trustees. She succeeds Jennie Martin.
Joan is a solicitor by profession and joined the charity’s board in 2024. She brings extensive experience of transport regulation having served as Scotland’s first female Traffic Commissioner between 2003-2019. She also serves as Chair of international development charity Transaid, and previously chaired the Glasgow City Region Bus Partnership Steering Group. She was awarded an OBE for services to transport and road safety in 2019.
Bus Users UK says the appointment comes as local authorities across Britain consider changes to the funding and delivery of bus services, including the expansion of franchising and reform of partnership arrangements. It says Joan’s regulatory background will help the organisation continue its work as an independent voice for passengers during the period of change.
“I have spent my career working to uphold fairness and accountability across the transport sector, and I look forward to bringing that experience to Bus Users UK,” Joan says. “The organisation has an important role to play, not only in holding the sector to account, but also in working constructively with operators and authorities to ensure passengers are never an afterthought.
“Good transport is not a luxury; it is essential to peopleā€™s everyday lives. Passengers deserve services that are reliable and accessible, and they deserve to have their voices heard when decisions are made about their communities.”
Adds Lydia Horbury, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK: “Joan brings a rare combination of experience, integrity and an unwavering commitment to public service, making her an outstanding choice to lead our Board. As bus networks evolve through franchising and wider reform, ensuring passengers have an independent, informed voice has never been more important. Joan understands when to listen, when to challenge and how to build the partnerships needed to deliver better outcomes for passengers. I am looking forward to working alongside her as we continue championing accessible, inclusive transport.”
Jennie, who joined the Board of Trustees in 2019 and has served as Chair since 2023, will remain involved with Bus Users UK as an ‘Ambussador’.
“Jennie has made an enormous contribution to Bus Users UK,” says Lydia. “Her calm judgement, strategic insight and unwavering support have helped guide both the Board and the organisation through an important chapter in our history. I have valued her encouragement immensely and am delighted that she will continue to be part of the Bus Users UK family as an Ambussador.”
Adds Jennie: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Bus Users UK and to work alongside such committed trustees and staff. I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved together and of the organisation’s reputation as a trusted, independent voice for passengers. As the coach and bus sector continues to evolve, ensuring passengers are heard will be more important than ever.”
