NICK Illsley has been appointed by Transport Minister David Jamieson as chief executive of Transport Direct, the UK's first national travel information service.

Previously chief executive of the National Rail Enquiry Service, Illsey will oversee the launch of the scheme, which is part of the Government's 10-year transport plan. It will give travellers information on all the travel options available to them, as well as providing timetables, maps, road routes and ticket sales. Illsley said: 'I look forward to working with the Government to bring this project to its next exciting new stage.'