West Yorkshire Combined Authority has announced workforce changes that will support the delivery of its mass transit plans.
As part of this, plans are being finalised for a consultation exercise next month over the first phase of the project to link the city centres of Leeds and Bradford by tram.
With the progression of the process, the Combined Authority is now working to recruit a new Mass Transit Director, as incumbent Luke Albanese is stepping down for family reasons. Whilst Rob Leech, a deputy director on the project, will take over the role on an interim basis, the hiring of a permanent Mass Transit Director is essential to achieve Mayor Tracy Brabin’s pledge of having spades in the ground by 2028.
Interim director Rob Leech has a wealth of experience in the delivery of mass transit programmes, with experience leading projects both in the UK and Ireland, including the programme to deploy trams between Edinburgh and Newhaven.
Simon Warburton, West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Executive Director for Transport, said:
“We would like to thank Luke for all his hard work over the past year. His leadership and technical expertise has been key to getting the programme to where it is today, and we are grateful to him for that.
“We are on track to deliver the Mass Transit project, which is a key part of our plans for a better-connected region that works for all.
“We would also like to thank Rob Leech for stepping up to help cover the transition period while a successor to Luke is found.”
Headshot of Simon Warburton, Executive Director for Transport, West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Warburton is to continue in his current role, ultimately holding the responsibility for the delivery of the programme as it forms part of a wider overhaul of the transport network across West Yorkshire.
The projects to drive improvement across transport in West Yorkshire are set to boost connectivity within the region, as well as creating new jobs and delivering on climate change commitments.
Image credit: Stock and West Yorkshire Combined Authority
