A new leading light for transport in Greater Manchester

Dr Jon Lamonte

A new leading light for transport in Greater Manchester

Transport for Greater Manchester’s new Chief Executive has set out the key opportunities and challenges facing the organisation as he gets to work in his new role.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority formally appointed Dr Jon Lamonte in September last year and he arrived at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) early in the new year.

He succeeds David Leather who, since 2006, had been seconded to the position from Ernst & Young.

Dr Lamonte joined TfGM from his role as chief executive officer of Tube Lines, a subsidiary company of Transport for London with an annual turnover of £600-700m and 2,500 employees with responsibility for the safe and reliable operation of the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines.

He has previously held a range of senior roles in the Royal Air Force and Ministry of Defence.

Jon, aged 53, who currently lives in Cheadle Hulme and commutes to work by train, said: “I’ve arrived in Greater Manchester at an incredibly exciting time.

“The scale of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s ambitions is really impressive and is clearly going to deliver real, genuine change for the people who live, work and do business here.

“In recent years, TfGM has evolved and is now responsible for much more than the public transport network – we now play an active part in all types of local travel – and I am committed to delivering the very best for the Greater Manchester community and economy.

“There are so many exciting initiatives under way, not least the Metrolink expansion; improving bus links between Manchester city centre, Leigh, Atherton, Middleton and Parrs Wood; delivering four new interchanges; launching smart ticketing; major cycling investment; the historic Northern Hub rail investment and electrification of key railway lines; rail refranchising; and high speed rail.

“Innovation is also key: our Local Sustainable Transport Fund programme will deliver new ways for people to plan and manage their journeys, taking advantage of smart phones, new and emerging digital platforms and technology, and providing real-time updates to people as they are travelling by cycle, car, van, lorry, bus, tram or train.

“It is also supporting the launch of new services, such as bespoke transport links to key employment sites.

“Each of these projects will provide significant improvements, helping to provide new connections and opportunities and, in the short time I’ve been here, I’m confident that they will be delivered with the full commitment and dedication of the teams within TfGM.

“Transport is the heartbeat of a region’s economy. Without an effective, efficient and accessible network, essential journeys cannot be made, business struggles and the local economy falters and fades.

“We are building on strong foundations which will see Greater Manchester fighting fit for generations to come.”

TfGM is overseeing a £2 billion-plus investment in public transport improvements.

Working alongside the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, it is also working closely with local authorities across northern England in seeking to secure control over the Northern and TransPennine rail franchises.

In addition, the £0.5 billion Northern Hub rail investment programme is now fully funded, and work to bring high speed rail to Greater Manchester is also progressing at a national level.

The Local Sustainable Transport Fund programme, badged under the theme ‘Let’s Get To Work’, is also delivering new cycle hubs, new and improved cycle routes, new transport services and new infrastructure to keep Greater Manchester’s economy moving.