Bus Users UK has appointed Joan Aitken as Chair of its Board of Trustees, having joined the charity and passenger champion organisation's board in 2024. Aitken succeeds Jennie Martin, who joined the Board of Trustees in 2018 and has served as Chair since 2023.
Aitken has extensive experience as a regulator, governance leader and champion of accessible transport.
She served as Scotland’s first female Traffic Commissioner from 2003 to 2019 before being awarded an OBE for services to transport and road safety. Alongside her new role, she is Chair of Transaid, the international development charity improving access to safe, available and sustainable transport, and previously chaired the Glasgow City Region Bus Partnership Steering Group.
Joan Aitken said: “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. 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.”
Lydia Horbury, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK, said: “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.”
