Internationally respected transport expert to chair Glasgow City Region Bus Partnership

The voluntary partnership brings together the eight Glasgow City Region local authorities, SPT, bus operators and bus user groups to collectively tackle the current challenges facing bus travel and to enhance the experience of passengers.

Dr Hazel's experience extends to all aspects of transportation having held senior level roles in the public and private sectors, both domestically and internationally.  He has previously served as an advisor to a range of organisations including Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, the Queensland State Government, the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Region, the City of San Diego, the World Roads Alliance and several UK Government agencies. In 2005, Dr Hazel was awarded the OBE for services to transport.

Commenting on his recent appointment Dr Hazel said: "I am delighted to take on this role and look forward to collaborating with partnership members and others to help meet the needs of the people and businesses of Glasgow City Region by providing a high-quality bus network that is user focussed, seamless and valued.

"For many across the City Region, journeying by bus is a vital part of day-to-day life, providing an essential link to leisure and educational opportunities as well as fairer access to employment, healthcare and other services. Improving bus travel through faster, cheaper, and better-connected journeys will benefit all passengers as well as our environment.

"The partnership presents us with the chance to elevate the role of the bus, ensuring it contributes to the broader advancement of transport provision, connectivity, a cleaner environment and equitable economic success."

Greig MacKay, Director for Scotland at Bus Users UK - a registered charity dedicated to promoting inclusive and accessible public transport, added: "Dr Hazel brings extensive experience to the role of Chair and our organisation looks forward to working with him through the partnership to enhance the experience of bus passengers.

"Public transport that is accessible to all brings people together, improves health and wellbeing, and opens the door to life's opportunities. We want everyone in Glasgow City Region to have access to the best possible transport links, wherever they are, and whatever their needs may be."

Glasgow City Region Bus Partnership envisions a region where bus services are integrated into a network of connectivity that enhances the opportunities and wellbeing of residents and visitors - while providing safe, affordable, and enjoyable connections that also supports local businesses.

Its objectives include enhancing bus priority measures and mitigating congestion, with the aim of improving bus journey times, frequency and reliability. The partners also collaborate to prioritise bus in future City Region planning, enhance the accuracy of Real Time Passenger Information, and explore seamless, integrated ticketing solutions.

The partnership also has a strong focus on identifying funding opportunities to enhance the attractiveness of bus travel. Previous funding obtained from Transport Scotland's Bus Partnership Fund has supported the development of detailed business cases for implementing bus priority measures along five key corridors into the city centre - Dumbarton Road, Great Western Road, Maryhill Road, Paisley Road West, and Pollokshaws Road.

Glasgow City Region Bus Partnership:

Dr Hazel was appointed by Glasgow City Council on behalf of the Glasgow City Region Bus Partnership in December 2024.

The current membership of the partnership comprises of Glasgow City Council, East Dunbartonshire Council, West Dunbartonshire Council, Inverclyde Council, Renfrewshire Council, East Renfrewshire Council, North Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Council, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), Bus Users Scotland, Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), First Glasgow, Stagecoach West of Scotland and West Coast Motors.

See glasgow.gov.uk/article/5027/Glasgow-City-Region-Bus-Partnership for further details.

See bususers.org for more information about the transport charity Bus Users UK.