09.03.17
Metrolink director Cushing steps down on high note
The head of Manchester’s Metrolink, Peter Cushing, has stepped down from his role in the company, handing over leadership to his deputy Danny Vaughan.
The news comes the week after work was completed on Metrolink’s Second City Crossing extension of the light rail network through central Manchester – the final piece of the city’s Big Bang expansion, meaning Cushing can leave his post on a considerable high.
He will now continue working with Metrolink on a part-time basis to ensure the change in operator from RATP Dev UK to KeolisAmey runs as smoothly as possible.
Cushing said: “It 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.”
Cushing also expressed that Metrolink was in store for a great period following completion of the Second City Crossing, silver jubilee celebrations, and a new operating contract being put 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,” he said.
Chair of the TfGM committee, Cllr Andrew Fender also paid credit to Cushing and the legacy he has left on the city’s light rail network whilst he was in the role.
He 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. While I am sad to lose someone of his standing and calibre, I know the network is in incredibly good hands with Danny.”
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