Andy Byford joined Transport for London during a time when the Covid pandemic hit its finances.
Image source, HENRY NICHOLLS / ReutersLondon’s transport commissioner Andy Byford is to stand down.
Mr Byford has been in charge of Transport for London (TfL) for a little over two years, during which time it has been kept afloat by repeated government bailouts.
He recently secured a long-term funding deal for TfL, whose revenues plummeted during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Byford, previously boss of the New York Subway, said it was the right time to resume life in the US with his wife.
Mr Byford, who oversaw the opening of the Elizabeth line earlier this year, has spent more than 30 years in the transport industry.
Announcing his departure, Mr Byford said: “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.
“It has been a huge privilege to have served as commissioner, back where I first started as a station foreman.
“I have been blessed to have had such an amazing transport and public service journey and now is the right time to bow out and resume life in the US with my wife.”
Mr Byford’s replacement will be announced in due course, but TfL said London Underground managing director Andy Lord would take over as interim commissioner.
Analysis
By BBC London transport correspondent Tom Edwards
Andy Byford arrived in London from running the New York subway with a stellar reputation and a nickname – the Train Daddy.
The role of commissioner is not straightforward – it’s part politician, part transport boss.
He guided TfL through the most challenging period in its history – during the pandemic as passengers stayed away and revenues plummeted.
While negotiating government funding, he was affected by the strained relations of a Labour-run City Hall and the Conservative government.
Gregarious and popular with his staff, Mr Byford seemed like he was in the job for the long term and his departure is a big loss for London.
His successor faces significant challenges though – TfL needs to make more cuts while executive pay and bonuses continue to attract criticism.
There will be probably be more industrial action over pension reform, but after just over two years in the job, Andy Byford has decided he has done his time at the helm.
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