Oxford Bus Company has appointed Laura Higgins as Strategic Development Manager.
In the new role, she will help ensure effective public transport gets the priority it deserves in future property developments across Oxfordshire.
The appointment comes after the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) published guidance on how vital early engagement with bus operators can be in making proposed new developments accessible for buses, giving bus services to these new areas the best chance of long-term sustainability.
Laura is an experienced town planner who worked in the planning department at Oxford City Council for 14 years.
She will engage with developers, planning authorities and highways authorities to ensure effective public transport is at the centre of sustainable development across the region.
Laura says: “As a progressive organisation the Oxford Bus Company has recognised how crucial it is for bus operators to proactively participate in the planning process to ensure effective public transport is integral to the design of new developments considered and achieved.
“I am passionate about improving this process and to deliver the best possible developments for Oxfordshire in locations that will maximise the use of public transport, and I am delighted to have joined such an innovative company.”
Oxford Bus Company Managing Director, Phil Southall, says: “Ensuring fit-for-purpose public transport is a vital part of sustainable development. With thousands of new homes planned for Oxfordshire in the coming years, this is an important topic for the communities we serve.
“We wanted to help facilitate a better planning process and believe employing Laura will help with this. Laura is highly experienced in the planning landscape and knows Oxfordshire very well. We are pleased she has joined the team and look forward to working together on further improving public transport in the county.”
