Two highly experienced transport
leaders have been appointed to support the Combined Authority's
ambition for better connectivity and Mayor Paul Bristow's
priority ‘to get the region moving.'
Peter Cushing has been named Light
Rail Commissioner, and Leon Daniels OBE has been appointed as
independent chair of the review into bus franchising
implementation. Both will play pivotal roles in advancing the
Combined Authority's work to develop modern, efficient, and
sustainable public transport which improves lives, protects the
environment and supports and unlocks economic
growth.
Peter has 25 years rail and light rail
national and international experience, working on behalf of
private and public sector organisations. He has extensive
experience of light rail planning, procurement, design,
construction, operations and safety. Peter was appointed as
Midland Metro Alliance Director in February 2020, to lead the
alliance team of planning, design and construction specialists to
build three new tram extensions across the region over the coming
five years on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority
(WMCA). Previously, he was CEO of Light Rail Safety and Standards
Board, and a Metrolink Director at Transport for Greater
Manchester for five years, overseeing the expansion programme. He
is well versed in working with senior local and central
government bodies in regulatory areas and to delivering major
capital programmes.
Peter will advise the Mayor on all
aspects of assessing, planning, and potentially delivering a
light rail network for Greater Cambridge. He will provide
oversight, constructive challenge, and expert input into the
viability of proposals, the development of business cases, and
the integration of light rail within the broader transport
system. Peter will play an advisory role in shaping the long-term
transport vision needed to support sustainable growth across
Greater Cambridge and the wider
region.
Leon Daniels is recognised as one of
the UK's foremost public transport leaders, with a distinguished
record in London and internationally. As Managing Director of
Surface Transport at Transport for London, he was responsible for
all road, bus, light rail and surface transport services, a
£3.5bn budget, and the successful delivery of transport for the
2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. His expertise will
support the Combined Authority find the best way to put
franchising in place – a key step towards a simpler, more
reliable, and more affordable bus network for
residents.
As Independent Chair of the Review
into Implementation Pathways for Bus Franchising, he will oversee
the review process on behalf of the Mayor – shaping its scope,
guiding consultants, engaging with local operators, and
scrutinising emerging findings. Leon will ensure the review is
robust, practical and delivers clear recommendations to help the
Combined Authority chart the best route to bus
franchising
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and
Peterborough, , said:
“To finally deliver the modern,
joined-up transport system this region needs, we need the right
people. Peter and Leon bring exceptional expertise and a cast
iron track record of delivery. I want this region to be the
country's fastest growing local economy. To do that, we need to
show ambition. I'm serious about delivering light rail and
bringing in a bus franchising system that is affordable and works
for passengers. These appointments will help us get
there.”
Peter Cushing, Light Rail
Commissioner, said: “I'm excited to be supporting the Mayor and Combined
Authority at such a pivotal time for the region and the country.
A long-term, multi-modal, transport solution for Greater
Cambridge to match the ambition for economic growth is now
urgently needed.”
Leon Daniels OBE, Independent Chair of the Bus
Franchising Implementation Review, said:
“The Combined Authority has an
ambitious agenda to transform bus transport to support growth and
a sustainable and prosperous future for everyone. I'm very
pleased to lend my experience in helping to assess how best that
can be achieved.”
Alongside these appointments, the
Mayor has also confirmed that Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald has been
appointed as Planning Commissioner, with an initial focus on
regeneration opportunities in Peterborough city
centre.
END
Notes to
editors
-
Both the commissioner roles are
not remunerated.
