I subsequently transitioned to First Bus, assuming a newly established area manager position covering the former Lowland business in the Scottish Borders. This role involved significant staff and stakeholder management responsibilities during a period of structural change within the organisation and entailed managing rural operations with tight financial constraints.

My move into local government with Falkirk Council’s Public Transport Team offered a fresh perspective on the industry. Leveraging my skills, I contributed to efficiency savings and service improvements on tendered and school transport services. I also focused on enhancing public transport information standards and collaborated with commercial operators on bus route development projects.

Returning to the operating sector, I took on a multifaceted role with Preston Bus in the northwest of England. As part of a relatively small, employee-owned company in an urban setting, I led initiatives in network design, timetabling, scheduling, marketing, operations management, and restructuring of both frontline management and customer services, all against a backdrop of intense competition.