Peter Cushing steps down as Metrolink Director at TfGM

Peter Cushing has formally handed over the leadership and day to day management for Manchester Metrolink to Danny Vaughan after four years in role of Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink Director. Mr Vaughan will be taking up a new role as Head of Metrolink although Mr Cushing will continue in a part time capacity to oversee the operator change from RATP Dev UK Ltd to KeolisAmey.

Peter Cushing replaced Philip Purdy in the role in January 2013 (having previously been involved on an interim basis) and in the same year Danny Vaughan joined from Luas in Dublin as his deputy. In this time Manchester Metrolink has undergone a major expansion as well as seeing a number of operational challenges with issues including the introduction of TMS affecting the reliability of the network.

Peter commented: “t has been an absolute honour and privilege to be part of the Metrolink team during the network’s transformation. They are a fantastic group of people and deserve a great deal of praise for the incredible things they’ve achieved in recent years. The past four years has not been without its challenges, but they have only served to make the many successes we’ve shared all the more rewarding. This year is going to be a fantastic period for the network, with completion of the Second City Crossing, silver jubilee celebrations, and a new operating contract in place. Collectively, it feels like a fitting point in time to end my tenure and I can think of no better person to pass the mantle to than Danny, given his vast experience in the light rail industry and his fantastic approach to working with all the partners involved.”

Cllr Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “Peter has been outstanding. He has played a vital role in successfully delivering one of the country’s largest transport projects in the Metrolink expansion. During his tenure – which, with the short-term impacts of the expansion felt most keenly, has been one of the most challenging periods in the network’s history – we have seen record-breaking patronage and year-on-year increases in passenger satisfaction. That is, quite simply, remarkable and the greatest tribute to his first-class stewardship. He can be incredibly proud of everything he has achieved and I wish him the very best for the future. While I am sad to lose someone of his standing and calibre, I know the network is in incredibly good hands with Danny.”

This entry was posted in Manchester Metrolink. Bookmark the permalink.

2 Responses to Peter Cushing steps down as Metrolink Director at TfGM

  1. Nathan says:

    He’s probably been paid a large wad of cash by Disney to return to Star Wars again…

    (Joking, obviously)

  2. Christopher Callan says:

    Never a good time to hand over. Feel for him in a way as had to navigate the at times painful periods of growth (and as result been at the receiving end of intense pressure from passengers and one particularly demented enthusiast to boot)

    Think its telling really internal appointment. Shows the powers that be have confidence in the management team.

Comments are closed.