The executive director of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) Anne Shaw has been recognised with an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Anne has been honoured for her key role in spearheading the successful transport planning and operations during last summer’s Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
It involved bringing together multiple authorities and transport operators to deliver a complex travel package.
Measures such as free public transport, hundreds of extra shuttle buses, park and ride locations and free cycle hire for spectators ensured that the venues were filled to capacity for the showcase sporting event.
Anne said: “It’s a great honour to be recognised for our contribution to the success of Birmingham 2022.
“It is not just for me but also the fantastic team of talented people here are TfWM, as well as the wider transport community, who made sure that we were able to get a million plus spectators, athletes and officials to and from their events – while the rest of the region went about their daily journeys.
“It was a hugely rewarding experience and something I am immensely proud of – this honour is the icing on the cake.”
Anne also led on the development of the ground-breaking Regional Transport Coordination Centre (RTCC) to oversee the West Midlands road, rail, bus and tram networks. First opened in 2020 it played a crucial role in traffic and transport management during last summer.
Ensuring close collaboration between the region’s local authorities, transport operators and emergency services the RTCC continues to improve journeys for people and keep the public updated with the latest travel information.
The Commonwealth Games transport plan included:
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Congratulations to Anne on being awarded this honour. Being responsible for transport is not always the easiest of briefs but Anne has always embraced the challenge - leading TfWM day in day out.
“I know she is committed to improving the journey experience for local people right across our region and creating a better-connected West Midlands.
“I want to express my thanks for all Anne has done - particularly the pivotal role she played in designing and developing the Commonwealth Games Transport Plan that proved its mettle during the Games by delivering successfully on the ground throughout what was a spectacular summer of collective celebration.”
