A VOLUNTEER from Lye has been named Passenger Champion of the Year by public transport coordinator Centro.

Public transport lover Simon Kirby, 30, was given the award due to his dedication to improving bus, rail and metro services within the West Midlands.

The voluntary Passenger Champions scheme is run by Centro as a way of helping to identify ways of improving the network and making life better for passengers.

Simon, who works as a sales executive for an office supplies company in Halesowen, said: “I’m very proud to receive this award and to be a passenger champion.

“Since I was young I always had an interest in public travel, I enjoy going out and about on it and as a passenger champion I can play a part in making it better.

“There’s a lot of work continually going on behind the scenes to make improvements to public transport, being a passenger is a great way of passing your views on to Centro.”

As well as reporting any issues they encounter while travelling, the champions also highlight examples of good customer service.

They provide their feedback via simple survey forms relating to their day-to-day experiences and may also be asked to review sustainable transport schemes involving walking and cycling.

Councillor Mohammed Hanif, Centro lead member for Dudley, who presented Simon with his award, said: “I congratulate Simon. He is a great ambassador for Centro and the Passenger Champion scheme.”