Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith has announced that he will step down at the end of the year.
Mr Smith has been in charge at the transport user watchdog since its creation in 2015. For 10 years before that he was the chief executive of its predecessor, Passenger Focus, which changed its name to reflect its expanded remit representing users of the strategic road network.
He was also chief executive of the Rail Passengers Council for three years and national director of the Central Rail Users Consultative Committee, also for three years.
Mr Smith regularly tweets his experience of travelling around the country.
Transport Focus chair Nigel Stevens said: ‘Anthony has dedicated almost 25 years to representing transport users. Transport Focus has become a trusted voice on their behalf, advocating in their interest and holding transport operators to account.
‘The Board and colleagues are grateful for the commitment, leadership and passion Anthony has provided through a period of great change. He will leave Transport Focus in a strong position to face the challenges ahead.’
Mr Smith said: “This has been a very personal decision but it is time the organisation had some fresh leadership.
‘I’m proud to have been part of the evolution and development of Transport Focus, working with the fantastic team here to make sure transport users’ voice is kept at the heart of decision-making.’
On his Transport Focus profile, Mr Smith says his favourite bus journey is the Purbeck Breezer, while on rail it’s the trip from Manchester to Sheffield, and the best car journey is the Medway Bridge on the M2. ‘However, nothing tops the journey home.’
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