The man who has overseen the completion of Metrolink’s expansion into the largest light rail network in the country has welcomed his successor into the driving seat.
Peter Cushing has formally handed over the leadership and day to day management of the network to Danny Vaughan, who has been Peter’s deputy since joining Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) from Luas, Dublin’s light rail network, in 2013.
Peter replaced then-Metrolink Director Philip Purdy in January 2013, having previously been involved with overseeing day-to-day operations on an interim basis.
He will continue in a part-time capacity to oversee the change in operator from RATP Dev UK Ltd to KeolisAmey.
Danny has taken up a new role as Head of Metrolink.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, 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.
“He can be incredibly proud of everything he has achieved and I wish him the very best for the future. While I am sad to lose someone of his standing and calibre, I know the network is in incredibly good hands with Danny.”
Peter 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.
“This year is going to be a fantastic period for the network, with completion of the Second City Crossing, silver jubilee celebrations, and a new operating contract 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.”
