Keith Walton, the chair of the Severnside Community Rail Partnership has announced his retirement after 20 years of leading the organisation.
After a spell at the Department for Transport he was the inaugural chair of the Partnership which promotes the use of rail in the Bristol area. Along with the TransWilts, it is one of 70 such organisations around the country.
One of the biggest successes during his tenure has been the increase in passengers on the Severn Beach line. Frequency has risen to half hourly for much of the day and usage has been boosted by more than 300% to 1,800,000 a year.
He was awarded the MBE in the last New Years Honours list for services to Urban Rail in Bristol.
Reacting to the news Paddy Bradley, chair of TransWilts, said “The area has gained from Keith’s interest and knowledge of rail and public travel in general.”
His influence will not be lost as he intends to remain as a director going forward.