New Deputy Clerk for Passenger Transport Authority

New Deputy Clerk for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority Stephen Clark.

Stephen Clark has been appointed as Deputy Clerk to Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) and Head of Transport Policy at Manchester City Council.

Stephen said: “I’m pleased to be taking on this challenging role. I want to ensure that transport is at the centre of Greater Manchester’s continuing success so that it benefits people living in, working in and visiting the region.

“I’m looking forward to using my previous experience at the Department for Transport and in the rail industry to continue the work to improve Greater Manchester’s public transport network.”

Councillor Matt Colledge, Chairman of GMPTA, said: “Stephen is taking on this role at an extremely exciting time for transport in Greater Manchester.

“Construction work will start next year on a £600 million expansion of the Metrolink tram network, which will see it nearly double in size. I’m sure I’ll be working closely with Stephen on this and other projects in the future.”

Councillor Richard Cowell, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, said: “We are fortunate to have found someone with such a high level of experience. His expertise and contacts will be invaluable.

“Stephen joins us at a time when the Transport Innovation Fund offers a chance to revolutionise transport in Manchester. We look forward to him leading and continuing the excellent work of our traffic and transport department.”

Stephen was brought up in Lancashire and has worked for the Department for Transport since 2005. The 46-year-old is the former Director of Planning at the Strategic Rail Authority, where he established the rail industry’s process for planning the future use of the rail network.

Before that, he was the project sponsor for the £245 million upgrade of Leeds City train station between 1998 and 2000. The project resulted in more people using the station, and included new track and platforms, an expanded concourse and a new roof.

Stephen is taking over from Penny Boothman, who held the position for five years. Penny will continue to work for Manchester City Council in a part-time role as a Special Projects Officer with the City Centre Regeneration team.