News & Views

Throughout September our team have been sharing their views on topical issues in the public transport industry. We've explored...

• Why public transport planning in rural locations can be challenging, 
• The benefits of integrating public transport services and cycling infrastructure,
• Why less children are catching the bus for the journey to school;
• The importance of public transport in creating thriving communities. 

...but now it's time to find out a bit more about the people behind those blogs so we've asked our public transport team some questions about themselves to give you an insight into who they are.

Denise: I started out in bus operations for both conventional and community transport but after a while wanted to move away from day to day delivery to a planning role where I could get involved in a range of interesting and innovative projects around the country. I wanted to make a difference and help to promote sustainable travel.

Laura: In my final year at university I chose to focus my dissertation on sustainable transport in Sheffield which gave me the opportunity to learn a lot about the industry. I found it really interesting and loved the thought of doing a job that helps make a positive environmental and social impact.

David: I've always been interested in transport and mobility since I was young. When I lived in the US I became interested in road safety, and then I did a master's degree in transport planning and realised that was for me.

Tatum: I've assisted local authorities with reviewing and developing their public transport strategies and provision. I have worked on many concessionary travel schemes, advising local authorities on their scheme structure and parameters, providing financial reconciliation guidance and support with operator negotiations.

Tim:  I’ve been fortunate enough to work all over the country (and beyond) on lots of different types of projects – from administering concessionary fares schemes for rural authorities, to developing public transport strategies for cities. From evaluating investment in buses in India, to undertaking focus groups in Northern Ireland. 

Peter: I have a lot of experience in passenger transport planning and development, and have worked with local governments and consultancies to provide advice on national and local levels by reviewing the current provision and developing solutions.

Tatum: Helping to develop sustainable transport solutions for those who are most in need, working alongside a group of fantastic knowledgeable people to share ideas and provide the best possible outcome.

Tim: The variety of work and the people that I get to work with. It’s a cliché, but it holds true – each project is unique and requires different approaches and solutions – it can be challenging, but also really satisfying to be stretched.

Denise: The variety of work and the ability to make a real difference in improving the way people travel, particularly in enabling them to do so sustainably. Public transport is an answer to so many of the problems we face in society.

Now, let's move onto the good stuff - our hobbies, karaoke choices and most importantly our guilty pleasures!

Peter: I volunteer at the National Memorial Arboretum, the UK’s Centre of Remembrance in Staffordshire. I’ve been volunteering there for over 11 years now, welcoming visitors and taking people on walking and buggy tours of the Arboretum, giving talks and answering questions. It’s great welcoming people of all ages and from all over the world and hearing some of their interesting stories of remembrance.

David: I enjoy going on leisure bike rides, expanding my film collection, and travelling to new places.

Laura: One of my favourite things to do outside of the office is eat out – I love trying new foods and exploring new restaurants in Nottingham. I try to make up for this by running and going to the gym and generally keeping fit when I can!

Laura: I’d be an owl because they’re clever and I think most people would agree they’re pretty adorable. 

Denise: I think I’d be something that could fly. Perhaps an eagle so I can be big for a change.  

David: I’d be a mountain goat because they get the best views from the top! 

Tatum: When I started my first job, I didn’t realise that dress down Friday was the last Friday of every month, I wrongly assumed it was every Friday and turned up in jeans and a T-Shirt whilst everyone else was smartly dressed!!  The days before causal office wear was a thing!!

Tim: I’m going to leave this one with Denise as she has plenty for all of us…

Denise: Many years ago I was asked to help entertain our guests at the evening function of a golf day that our company was hosting. I was pretty nervous as I didn’t know anyone, and I was quite junior. But I plucked up the courage and struck up a conversation with a group of six or so blokes, bought them a few rounds of drinks and thought I was doing a great job until our Director took me to one side and said “You are doing a great job there Denise, but those guys are not with us.” That haunts me to this day! 

Laura: Anything by ABBA as it’ll undoubtedly get people’s toes tapping and hands clapping, and I think they have the sort of songs that encourage others to join in, so I’m not stood singing on my own! 

Tim: Got to be something that is apt for my skill set – Total Eclipse of the Heart, but only the ‘turn around’ bit.

Denise: I don’t exactly have the voice of an angel either, so am not one to volunteer. I therefore end up singing any random song that my friends volunteer me for to get the most laughs!

Tim: Why would I feel guilty about rating Mean Girls as one of the greatest films ever? It’s a cinematic masterpiece! 

Laura: I was recently having a conversation with colleagues about what goes best on a bacon sandwich and I said it absolutely has to be ketchup and mustard… the shocked responses from them about mixing mustard and bacon suggested I’m a bit weird for doing this so I guess I would have to say that it’s my guilty pleasure. There must be other people out there who love this combination too though?! 

Tatum: Food’s an interesting one, I’m a fan of Beetroot on toast – is that a guilty pleasure?

We hope you've enjoyed finding out about our fantastic public transport team! We are proud to attract some of the brightest minds in transport planning and research. We have purposefully established an environment where everyone is encouraged to question accepted wisdom, be curious about sustainable mobility...and have a little fun along the way. If you'd like to find out more about what it's like to work at ITP please get in touch.