Still financial challenges for TFL to work through, says outgoing Commissioner

Today marks Andy Byford’s last day in the job

Author: Josh KerrPublished 28th Oct 2022
Last updated 28th Oct 2022

There are still financial challenges that Transport for London will need to work through, according to the capital's outgoing Transport Commissioner.

Andy Byford says that is despite a funding settlement being reached with the government earlier this year that “saved TFL”.

Today marks Byford’s last day in the job he took over in June 2020, during the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

TFL's Chief Operating Officer Andy Lord will now take on the role of Commissioner on an interim basis.

“There’s always more to do,” Byford told Greatest Hits Radio. “Although we did strike that financial deal with the government that really saved TFL and it stopped that managed decline scenario – which we wanted to avoid at all costs and I’m very proud that we delivered that – there are still financial challenges that will need to be worked through.”

He added: “There are other things, we want to get Crossrail 2 underway, we want to look at the Bakerloo Line extension and other major projects, so there’s always other challenges on the horizon.

“But I know that I can leave having finished what I said I would do – which was get the Elizabeth Line open, no further delayed schedule, no further recourse to public funds and to steer TFL through covid.

“I know I can leave it in good hands, Andy Lord, the interim Commissioner and the team will take it forward and I think we have a very bright future.”

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