(Pictured above: Chairman Geoff Lusher awards the Stourbridge Shuttle’s five millionth passenger in 2018)

After a successful twelve years as Chair of Pre Metro Operations Ltd, Geoff Lusher has decided to step down and hand over the Chair to fellow Director Steve Jasper.  The Pre Metro Operations Board are delighted that Geoff will continue to provide advice and guidance on the Board of Directors.

Geoff has guided Pre Metro Operations and the operation of the Stourbridge Shuttle through challenging and exciting times such as trial running, company rebranding, the Covid pandemic and the introduction into service of the innovative vehicles and ultimately the successful and safe carrying of over 7.5 million passengers.

The transition of the role of Chair will be seamless and was initiated and agreed at the Board meeting on the 22^nd April 2025. The Board recorded their thanks to Geoff for his superb leadership and also welcomed Steve Jasper to his new role. Both individuals previously had long and distinguished careers together managing the bus services operated by the former WMPTE and then at West Midlands Travel Ltd.

Steve’s priorities as Chair will be to strengthen the company’s links with the West Midlands Local Authorities, local businesses and fellow transport providers.  The Board agreed that continuing to have Geoff on the Board of Directors ensures that the company will continue to provide high-quality and efficient passenger services at Stourbridge and also continue to develop the potential of onward journeys to Brierley Hill, Dudley and other locations.

Steve lives locally in Stourbridge and has strong views on the way public transport has developed in its current format and the consequential cost of the Metro development and its impact upon Dudley and the wider conurbation.

Fellow Board member, Mathew Taylor said, “It is a pleasure to work on a Board such as Pre Metro Operations, the experience and application shown by Directors such as Geoff and Steve have helped me to become a better Director.  Their knowledge, care and enthusiasm towards the company, public transport generally and our customers is so impressive, so to be able to look forward with Steve at the helm and Geoff continuing alongside us is excellent for the company.”

Geoff will still be involved with Pre Metro behind the scenes, but we want to give him a huge thank you for his dedication and service as part of the board of directors, representing the company in person, at key events and meetings, and in both print and online media for over twelve years. Thank you, Geoff!