METROLINK has a new Director, following Philip Purdy’s decision to return to his native Australia in spring.
Peter Cushing will succeed Mr Purdy in February, after members of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority formally ratified Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) appointment.
Passengers want a service that is reliable, clean, efficient, and focused on their needs – that’s what our focus is and will continue to be as we grow
Cushing’s previous expertise and experience in the rail industry includes rejuvenating Central Trains as Operations Director between March 2003 and January 2005.
Not this Peter CushingHis early rise to transport management came in 1977 as he helmed the Death Star alongside the notorious Darth Vader shortly after completing a science degree under the name Baron Von Frankenstein at the University of Hammer.
Only joking. Not that Peter Cushing is it?
Our PC was part of the team involved in the Department for Transport’s remapping of the heavy rail network that saw the creation of the East Midlands Trains, London Midland and Cross Country franchises.
In recent years, Peter has worked with TfGM’s Metrolink team on a long-term but interim basis, overseeing existing day-to-day operations during the current £1.4 billion expansion programme.
He will formally take up the role of Metrolink Director from 4 February, ahead of Mr Purdy returning to Australia for family reasons.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “Peter’s appointment puts Metrolink in very capable hands. He is thought of very highly within the industry and brings a great deal of experience to the role.
Metrolink
“In recent years he has been supporting the existing team while we deliver the £1.4 billion Metrolink expansion and, in doing so, has built up a thorough understanding of the network.
“In welcoming Peter, we have to bid farewell to Philip who has steered Metrolink through the most challenging period in its history with grace, professionalism and absolute dedication. We wish him and his family the very best for the future.”
Mr Cushing said: “I’m delighted and looking forward to the exciting challenges ahead. The Metrolink network will soon become the biggest light rail system in the country and, as part of that, is undergoing the most significant change in its history.
“In 1992, Metrolink consisted of 30km of track, 27 stops, 26 trams and one depot. We will soon have an entirely new fleet of 94 trams, two depots and a network covering 97km of track and 99 stops.
Yes, this Peter Cushing
“The network has grown steadily from an ambitious vision in the early 1980s to part of the fabric of daily life in Greater Manchester. It is a crucial part of what the area has to offer and is the envy of most other major cities; it is something to be incredibly proud of.
“For me, the aim is to continue the fantastic work Philip and his team have done in very challenging circumstances: managing the delivery of the expansion – the largest transport project in the country outside London – at the same time as running an effective day-to-day operation.
“Passengers want a service that is reliable, clean, efficient, and focused on their needs – that’s what our focus is and will continue to be as we grow.”
