Accessibility and passenger rights charity Bus Users UK has promoted its director for England Lydia Horbury to chief executive.

She takes up the new role in October and replaces Claire Walters, who is retiring after 13 years leading the charity, which launched 50 years ago.

Horbury joined the charity as its England director in 2023. She was previously director of external relations at a private school.

“Taking on the role of chief executive at Bus Users UK is an honour, particularly as we commemorate our 50th anniversary, she said.

“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.”

The charity’s chair Jennie Marton added: “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.”

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