Andy Lord confirmed as London’s Transport Commissioner

Andy Lord has been confirmed in a key cycle-related role – London’s permanent Transport Commissioner.

Lord has been in the role on an interim basis since October last year, taking over from Andy Byford. Byford, recruited from a stint heading up New York’s City Transport Authority, had a tough term as Transport Commissioner at Transport for London (TfL), a period that saw TfL’s funding a point of heated discussion with the government following a Covid-disrupted period that saw ticket sales drop and slashing of its budget by central government from £414 million to £80 million guaranteed (2022/2023).

New Commissioner Lord may well be hoping for smoother sailing. He initially joined TfL in November 2019 as MD of London Underground and became COO for all TfL’s operations in 2022, following a disrupted Covid era for the organisation.

Part of the remit of London’s Transport Commissioner is the delivery of new cycleways, alongside a wide range of other responsibilities including bus provision in outer London – where ULEZ is being introduced in August – and supporting major events like the coronation.

London’s cycling status in the UK is high, with ranking tools like City Ratings, naming it the most cycleable for Great Britain, but on a wider scale is not on a par with some of its European counterparts. Nevertheless, continued investment in cycling in London and meaningful new cycleways must continue to nurture London’s cycle numbers, not least to present cycling as a viable alternative to more expensive modes of transport while consumers are being forced to make their pounds work harder than ever.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted to confirm Andy Lord as London’s permanent Transport Commissioner. Andy brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise to lead TfL as we work to deliver the most affordable, accessible and sustainable transport network possible.

“I have seen first-hand Andy’s dedication to rebuilding TfL’s finances following the devastating impact of the pandemic and his commitment to delivering better services for Londoners and more sustainable travel across the capital, as well as promoting walking and cycling.

“I look forward to working with Andy as we continue building a safer, greener and more prosperous London for everyone – and a transport system that remains the envy of the world.”

Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “Transport for London is an incredible organisation, full of highly committed people who come to work each day to serve our customers and to make the capital a better place. I would like to thank them all for the incredible support they have given me.  I am hugely honoured and proud to do this job and to have the opportunity to continue to steer TfL as we move forward with the work of supporting London’s recovery from the pandemic, ensuring TfL better reflects the diverse city we serve whilst becoming the green heartbeat of the capital.

“In the months ahead, one of my key focuses will be on securing the long-term Government funding that we need to continue our vital work. With transport authorities across the UK now having long-term ‘London-style’ funding agreements in place, London is now ironically the outlier. With the amazing economic driver that is the Elizabeth line, and with our partners and supply chain across the country, we have proven that investment in transport in London can benefit the entire UK. We must now move forward and work together to provide the services and infrastructure that will benefit everyone.”