London transport boss confirms he's stepping down
The man in charge of TFL is resigning
The man in charge of transport across London has confirmed he's stepping down.
Andy Byford is leaving TFL as it's Commissioner after delivering on priorities he set out when he joined back in June 2020.
Transport for London says he is stepping down to resume his life in the US, ending a 33-year career in public service.
It says he will finish in October after delivering on promises including getting the Elizabeth Line opened with no further delays and leading TFL out of the financial crisis caused by the pandemic.
Chief Operating Officer Andy Lord will be taking over in the interim.
In a statement TFL said: "Byford has also overseen the creation of a new, more efficient organisational structure at TfL and the introduction of a new TfL vision and set of values, with the organisation now focussed on winning back customers, supporting the city’s economic recovery and helping to build a greener city with sustainable transport at its centre.
"Over the last couple of weeks, Byford has also overseen the delivery of transport plans to support the events marking the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
"The influx to London of people wishing to pay their respects to Her Majesty presented TfL with a significant operational challenge, and required a huge coordinated effort – with thousands of staff working around the clock - to ensure that everyone could travel safely."
Andy Byford, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “When I came to TfL I set two clear priorities – to get the Elizabeth line open without further delay and to lead TfL out of the pandemic and into a financially sustainable future.
"The opening of the Elizabeth line was, without doubt, the highlight of my career – made truly poignant as it was one of the last major events attended by Her Majesty the Queen. It was an honour to meet her, and an honour to oversee the transport arrangements for the ceremonial events to mark her passing.
“With a longer-term financial settlement with Government now in place I can now leave with TfL set fair to move positively into the future – supporting London’s recovery from the pandemic and truly becoming the green heartbeat of the city."
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Andy Byford deserves huge thanks for his hard work and dedication, leading Transport for London through an exceptional time in its history.
“From keeping the city moving during the COVID-19 pandemic, to the historic opening of the Elizabeth line this year, Andy has provided Londoners with an exceptional service and his work has ensured that despite the challenges we have faced, our public transport network remains world-class.
“I’m grateful to Andy Lord for stepping into the role of interim Transport Commissioner. Andy brings with him a wealth of experience and commitment to leading our city’s public transport network, and the recruitment for the new permanent Commissioner will commence shortly.
“I want to thank Andy Byford for his service to Londoners and, as he and his wife move back to the United States, I wish them all the very best."
Andy Lord said: “The work of TfL staff has been key to London’s recovery from the pandemic so far. I am hugely honoured to take on this role and to have the opportunity to steer the organisation as it continues this work and focuses on making our city an even greener, safer and better place."