Former President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of New York City Transit Authority Andy Byford has been appointed as London’s new Transport Commissioner, the Board of Transport for London (TfL) and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan today (27 May) confirmed.
Andy will oversee recovery of TfL operations after the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and support a sustainable resumption of operations. He joins on 29 June with current Commissioner Mike Brown MVO, who will remain until the handover is completed on 10 July.
Says Mayor of London Sadiq Khan: “I’m delighted to confirm Andy Byford as London’s new Transport Commissioner. Coronavirus 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.”
Andy’s previous role as President and CEO of New York City Transit Authority saw him responsible for 50,000 staff and a $40bn five-year investment plan to renew the city’s transport system.
Andy says: “I am delighted to take 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 coronavirus 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 TfL has some of the best people anywhere in the world and we will meet these challenges and together help build an even better city.”