The Urban Transport Group has named Jason Prince as its incoming Director. He will take up the post in July and succeed Jonathan Bray, who left the network of city region transport authorities earlier in April.
Mr Prince is currently Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Head of Public Affairs. Prior to that he worked for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) after being employed by a Member of Parliament on transport and energy policy.
While with GMCA and TfGM, Mr Prince has been involved in several key projects, including those relating to buses. Among them is the development of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network. He has also contributed to rail work, including that related to HS2.
Speaking about his appointment, Mr Prince says: “I am delighted to be joining the Urban Transport Group as its new Director, building on the work of former Director Jonathan Bray, who I wish all the best for the future.
“These are tough times for urban and local transport, but by harnessing the expertise of our members, we can meet these challenges head on. The Urban Transport Group is perfectly placed to develop the right policies and to provide the right solutions that will help our local places thrive.
“I look forward to working closely with our partners and friends to deliver good transport for our communities.”
Urban Transport Group Chair Steve Warrener has welcomed Mr Prince. “He will be coming onboard at a very challenging time for urban transport, with the cost-of-living crisis, the aftermath of the pandemic and the climate emergency all making for a difficult operating landscape for our member transport authorities,” says Mr Warrener.
“I am very confident that Jason Prince – who brings a wealth of policy knowledge, political expertise and transport experience – is the right person to lead the Urban Transport Group and its members through what will undoubtedly be a challenging but exciting new chapter for both the organisation and urban public transport more widely.”
Prior to Mr Prince’s arrival, Assistant Director Rebecca Fuller will continue to act as Interim Director.