Lamonte to depart TfGM

Jon Lamonte, chief executive of Transport for Greater Manchester, is to leave to take charge of Sydney Metro, a body created this year to build and operate the Australian city’s new $20bn metro network.

Lamonte joined TfGM in January 213, having previously held senior roles in the Royal Air Force and Ministry of Defence, including a period running the RAF Brize Norton base. He followed this with a spell as chief executive of Tube Lines, a Transport for London subsidiary with responsibility for the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines.

His time at TfGM has seen the Metrolink tram network expanded, with developments including the Second City Crossing and the extension to Manchester Airport. A new seven-year contract to operate and maintain Metrolink was initiated last summer, with KeolisAmey taking over from RATP Dev.

TfGM has also led on the delivery of the £122m Bus Priority Package, including the Leigh to Ellenbrook guided busway and Oxford Road improvements.

Lamonte said: “It’s been a privilege to lead TfGM through one of the most exciting times in its history. We’ve seen Metrolink treble in size, built new and innovative infrastructure across Greater Manchester and made significant strides in terms of devolution.

“I am extraordinarily proud of everything we have delivered and our strong national and international reputation for excellence and innovation in transport.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “We wish Jon well and we are all aware of the huge progress that public transport in the region has made over the past six years.

“Under his leadership we have seen major successes, such as the extension of the Metrolink network and the Leigh to Ellenbrook guided busway, which has delivered exactly what it promised to and more.

“There have been countless other success stories and we look forward to building on the work Jon has overseen to make transport easier in Greater Manchester.”