The boss of transport in the West Midlands is to step down from her role after eight years in charge.
Anne Shaw OBE, Executive Director of Transport for West Midlands, is to take up a new role as Chief executive of the National Transport Authority in Ireland.
Her departure was announced by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker at a meeting of the West Midlands Combined Authority Board on Friday (September 12).
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She joined Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) eight years ago as Director of Network Resilience before taking up the lead role in 2022.
Prior to joining the authority, Anne spent 26 years working with Birmingham City Council's transport department.
Her role has seen her oversee the work on Metro extensions, the building of new railway stations and plans to franchise the region's bus network.
She was awarded the OBE for leading the successful planning and delivery of transport during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
It involved coordinating a cross-regional network of buses, trams and trains to serve the million extra visitors and spectators.
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She also developed the ground-breaking Regional Transport Co-ordination Centre, which brought together all transport operators and authorities under one roof with a combined aim of keeping the West Midlands moving during major events and incidents.
And Anne was also appointed by Government as Transport Champion for Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, helping to draft new national guidance for improving safety in the design of transport networks.
She said: "I've always believed that access to great transport – be it by road, rail, bus, bike, tram or your own two feet – is a fundamental right that improves lives and provides access to opportunity.
"I'm incredibly proud of the work we've done to deliver on that. I want to especially thank the outstanding team at TfWM and the region's wider transport community for their tireless dedication in transforming the transport system and keeping our region moving so people and businesses can thrive.
"As I embark on my next challenge, I'm proud to reflect on the many successes we've seen in the West Midlands – including securing over £6 billion of investment in our transport network.
"That funding is paying for more railway stations, expanding our tram network, and will help bring our bus network under public control, connecting more people to jobs, opportunities and each other right across the region."
Mr Parker said: "Since becoming Mayor, transport has been a priority for me.
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"Working with Anne in her role as Executive Director of TfWM we have begun the process of franchising our bus network, secured £2.4 billion for our regional transport fund, announced the new Metro line to the Sports Quarter and much more.
"Anne has made a significant contribution in the West Midlands and has worked in senior roles in this region for many years, including at Birmingham City Council and most recently with us at TfWM.
"I would like to thank her for all she has done and I wish her well for the future."