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‘Train Daddy’ Andy Byford named new TfL commissioner after stint trying to fix New York subway

Andy Byford joins TfL having worked in transport in New York: Rex Features
Andy Byford joins TfL having worked in transport in New York: Rex Features

A rail executive nicknamed “Train Daddy” has been announced as London’s new transport chief.

Andy Byford, 55, will be responsible for running the capital’s bus and Tube network and replaces Mike Brown as the £355,000-a-year Transport Commissioner at Transport for London (TfL).

Mr Byford, from Plymouth, recently finished a stint working for the New York City Transit Authority, where he was responsible for overseeing the city’s faltering subway network.

Some credited Byford with improving the subway system, which led to his nickname.

He resigned earlier this year following alleged disagreements with New York State governor Andrew Cuomo.

Byford joined London Underground as a graduate trainee in 1989 and worked in several management roles before leaving in 2003.

He takes the reins at TfL at a time when the network is facing a financial crisis due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier this month, TfL received a government bailout worth £1.6bn after its revenue plunged by 90 per cent.

Announcing the move, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan said in a statement: “I’m delighted to confirm Andy Byford as London’s new Transport Commissioner.

“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.

“I would like to place on record my gratitude to Mike Brown for everything he has done for the capital since starting at TfL in 1989. I wish him the best of luck in his new role.”

Byford said: “I am delighted to be taking 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 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 Transport for London has some of the best people anywhere in the world and we will meet these challenges and will together help build an even better city for everyone.”

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