Andy Byford appointed London transport commissioner
Former president & chief executive officer of New York City Transit Authority Andy Byford has been appointed as London’s new transport commissioner. At New York City Transit Authority, Byford was responsible for 50,000 staff and devised a $40billion five-year investment plan to renew the city’s transport system.
He joins TfL on 29 June, with the current Commissioner, Mike Brown, staying on until 10 July to hand over to Byford, before he takes up a position overseeing the renovation of the historic Houses of Parliament.
Byford’s transport career spanned more than 30 years and three continents. In addition to his leadership role in New York, previous positions include chief executive officer, Toronto Transit Commission, chief operating officer & deputy CEO, Rail Corporation New South Wales, Australia, director of operations, Southern Railway and director of safety and operations, South Eastern Trains.
He started as a graduate trainee at London Underground, in 1989 before working his way up to general manager – customer service for the Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, says: “’I’m delighted to confirm Andy Byford as London’s new transport commissioner. Covid-19 has had a profound impact on public transport in London but Andy brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise to lead TfL as it faces this unprecedented challenge.
“I look forward to working with Andy as we build a greener city with clean and environmentally-friendly travel, including walking and cycling, at the heart of its recovery.
“I would like to place on record my gratitude to Mike Brown for everything he has done for the capital since starting at TfL in 1989. I wish him the best of luck in his new role.”
Byford adds: “I am delighted to be taking up the role of commissioner and to have been chosen to lead the organisation where I started my transport career over 30 years ago. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, all transport authorities around the world will need to reimagine how their services and projects contribute to the safe and sustainable re-start of the social and economic lives of the cities they serve.
“It is a huge challenge, but I know that Transport for London has some of the best people anywhere in the world and we will meet these challenges and will together help build an even better city for everyone.”