Mayor appoints Chris Boardman to Transport Commissioner role

Chris Boardman is now Greater Manchester’s first Transport Commissioner

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has appointed former Cycling and Walking Commissioner, Chris Boardman, in an expanded role as Greater Manchester’s first Transport Commissioner.

Boardman has been tasked with helping to accelerate the delivery of the Bee Network – a fully integrated transport system, including the roll-out of the UK’s largest cycling and walking network.

The appointment reflects the importance of establishing an integrated, affordable and accessible transport system for the city-region.

Boardman will attend the newly-established Bee Network delivery board, which meets weekly, to ensure that the city-region’s plans stay on track.

Mr Burnham said: “I am very pleased that Chris Boardman has agreed to become Greater Manchester’s first Transport Commissioner – his work and drive to make our city-region a global player to rival great places such as Copenhagen and New York over the last three years has been inspirational and I know he will apply this same vision in his new job.”

Mr Boardman said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Transport Commissioner.

"Our vision for Greater Manchester was never just about delivering quality cycling and walking routes.

"While they are essential ingredients in making Greater Manchester a better place to grow up, get on and grow old, they are only a part of the solution.

"If we combine our plan for a world-class active travel network, with trams, buses, trains, taxis and private hire, we can give people everything they need to travel around the region without needing to drive.

"Crucially, that will also help us achieve our goal to be carbon neutral by 2038.

"Greater Manchester can lead the country in showing how this can be done and I’m excited to play a part in making that happen.”

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