Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change today announced the appointment of James King as new Convener for the Public Transport Users' Committee for Scotland (PTUC).

James served on the Rail Passenger Committee (Scotland) prior to its dissolution in 2005 and now represents Scottish and passenger interests on the boards of Passenger Focus, and the British Transport Police Authority. James was previously Vice Chair of Rail Action Group East of Scotland. James has been a member of the PTUC since its first meeting in April 2007.

This appointment will be for 3 years and will run from May 01 2008 to 30 April 2011.

This post is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £150 per day for a time commitment of 2 days per month.

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James was appointed by Scottish Ministers as the Scottish Member of the Rail Passengers Council (which operates as Passenger Focus) in 2005. The Rail Passengers Council post attracts an annual salary of £15,300.

The PTUC was established by the Public Transport Users' Committee for Scotland Order 2006. It is an advisory public body which came into being on 01 January 2007. The PTUC considers and make recommendations to Scottish Ministers relating to public transport services in, from and to Scotland and considers and makes recommendations about other matters when asked to do so. The PTUC will operate under the more user-friendly name Passengers' View Scotland.

This Ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice.

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if there is any to be declared) to be made public. James King undertook no political activity in the past five years.

James King was previously the Deputy Convener and succeeds John Elliot who resigned from the post on health grounds in April.

(GK/NS)