Bus Users UK has announced the appointment of Lydia Horbury as its new Chief Executive. She is currently Director for England with Bus Users UK and will officially take up the role on 13 October 2025. This follows the retirement of Claire Walters, who has led the organisation as CEO for 13 years and been a staunch and tireless campaigner for passenger rights and transport equality.

Lydia joined Bus Users UK in 2023 and in that time has become a recognised voice in the sector, being part of the DfT’s Steering Group on Enhanced Partnerships, a chair, board member and advisor for numerous stakeholder and industry bodies, and a driving force behind the charity’s mission to improve access to transport.

Jennie Martin MBE, Chair of Bus Users UK, said: “The Board of Trustees congratulates Lydia Horbury on her appointment. Claire Walters has been a transformative Chief Executive since 2013. The Board looks forward to working with Lydia to build on this legacy and keep Bus Users UK at the forefront of advocating for better availability and accessibility of bus and coach services for all.”

Commenting on her appointment, Lydia said: “Taking on the role of Chief Executive at Bus Users UK is an honour, particularly as we commemorate our 50th anniversary. This is a powerful milestone for a charity that has championed the rights and voices of passengers for half a century.

“Claire Walters has been a principled and determined leader and I’m incredibly proud to build on her legacy during such a pivotal period for public transport. Buses serve as vital lifelines for millions, and I am resolutely committed to ensuring our work continues to create meaningful change, with passengers and accessibility at the forefront.”

(Pic: Bus Users UK)