Rob Donald, Director General of Centro, has announced he will be retiring from his post at the end of April after eleven years developing and promoting public transport throughout the West Midlands.

He joined Centro in 1995, and his achievements include obtaining funding and overseeing the opening of Metro Line One, securing investment to improve rail services, and introduction of improvements to the quality of bus facilities, as well as campaigning for better quality bus services to be provided by bus operators. He is also the current Chair of the Passenger Transport Executives Group – PTEG.

Rob Donald said ‘I have hugely enjoyed my time at Centro and am proud that we now have a very good professional organisation that is able to improve all aspects of public transport throughout the West Midlands and deliver the policy objectives of the Passenger Transport Authority.   Much is now happening to improve bus passenger information and seeking Government support for renewing New Street railway station and expanding Midland Metro.  Much more needs to be done and I am confident that the PTA leadership working well with local authority Leaders and a very capable Centro working with public and private sector agencies will achieve much in the years ahead.”

Cllr Gary Clarke, Chairman of the policy setting West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority said: ‘Rob has worked tirelessly to improve the quality and capacity of public transport in the West Midlands and he is the longest serving Director General of Centro.  We understand his desire to take time out now to enjoy an active retirement with his wife who also retires this year.’

Cllr Paul Allen, Vice Chair of the WMPTA said: ‘Rob’s whole career has been about  making public transport better and meeting peoples needs, a job we’ll be pursuing with continued vigour across the West Midlands. We wish Rob all the best in his well-earned retirement.’