Metrolink Director Peter Cushing bows out on a high

Peter Cushing and Cllr Andrew Fender

Peter Cushing, 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.

Mr Cushing has formally handed over the leadership and day to day management of the network to Danny Vaughan, who has been hiss deputy since joining Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) from Luas, Dublin’s light rail network, in 2013.

Mr Cushing 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.

Mr Vaughan has taken up a new role as Head of Metrolink.

Mr 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.

“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.”