Go-Ahead’s Victoria Garcia appointed as Government Disability and Access Ambassador

Victoria Garcia MBE, Accessibility and Communities Manager for Brighton & Hove Buses, part of Go-Ahead, has been appointed as one of the Government’s Disability and Access Ambassador, representing the bus industry.

Victoria will join other ambassadors to drive improvements in the accessibility and quality of services and facilities for disabled people, helping to ensure businesses are doing all they can to support disabled customers.

Victoria is recognised as the go-to professional for accessibility in the industry. Her work has truly been industry-leading and her dedication to improving bus services for disabled users saw her awarded an MBE in 2019, going on to then receive the UK Bus Awards ‘Impact on the Industry by an Individual’ award in 2021 and the Route One ‘Special Award’ in 2024.

Under Victoria’s guidance Brighton & Hove Buses works with organisations including the Alzheimer’s Society, Guide Dogs, Age UK, Speak Out, and many more to make bus services accessible to everyone. This work saw Go-Ahead achieve the highest status in the UK Department for Transport’s Inclusive Transport Leaders scheme for bus and rail operations.

Martin Dean, Managing Director, UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead, said: “We’re exceptionally proud of Victoria’s dedication to making bus services more accessible. Victoria works with organisations, communities and customers to understand how we empower thousands of people to travel independently and with dignity. I’m delighted that with this appointment; she will be able to help even more people and drive real change across our industry.”

Victoria Garcia, MBE, Accessibility and Communities Manager for Brighton & Hove Buses, commented: “I’m delighted to become the Disability and Access Ambassador for Bus and Coach. Bus services help connect us all to work, education, healthcare and provide vital social interactions that can help combat isolation and loneliness. By listening and learning and working in partnership we can all work to ensure a more accessible, inclusive service for all.”

The Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms, MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability said: “I am very pleased to be working with this impressive group of senior leaders, whose expertise and enthusiasm engenders positive changes in accessibility for disabled people. They are really supporting the government in this important work. They are generous with their time and support. The Disability and Access Ambassadors help us to improve all disabled people’s lives, by using their experience and insight throughout their sectors, and supporting the changes in accessibility we want to see across a wide range of private sector industries.”