Ministerial Statement: New TTA CEO to lead 10 year vision

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
08/10/2008

New TransLink Transit Authority CEO to lead 10 year vision

A senior executive with a track record of achievement in transport and operational roles in the UK and Australia has been appointed as the TransLink Transit Authority's new CEO.

Minister for Transport John Mickel today announced the appointment of Peter Strachan while outlining a the 10 year TransLink Network Plan which will now go to local councils for consultation.

Mr Mickel said the new CEO had been selected following a national and international search for a world class executive to lead the new Authority.

"I congratulate Mr Strachan on his appointment, which is a major coup for Queensland and boosts our government's push to improve public transport services across the region," he said.

"He has an enviable resume and reputation and will bring almost 30 years of experience in the transport industry to his new role."

Mr Mickel said the appointment came after a busy first quarter for the new authority, which had included a strategic re view of the network and the drafting of the new TransLink Network Plan.

"I launched the new TransLink Transit Authority in July and tasked them with progressing our vision for public transport and providing a blueprint for getting us there," he said.

"I'm excited to see the new TransLink Network Plan taking shape because we know that providing a high frequency mass transit system is vital to addressing congestion through reduced car use."

Mr Mickel said the plan sought to align urban and transport planning at all levels of government and would now be sent to local council for feedback.
It includes:
? A 10-year vision for public transport across south-east Queensland.
? A rolling 4-year program of planned service additions and adjustments.
? Creating more than 100 high-frequency routes, each guaranteeing bus and train services every 15 minutes.

"We've seen a staggering 40% patronage growth across the public tra nsport network in the past four years and it's been a massive task to keep pace with that demand," Mr Mickel said.

"Keeping pace with that growth has been the priority in the short term but building a network of high frequency services is vital in attracting even bigger numbers to public transport in the future.

"We believe Mr Strachan's experience and track record made him the right person to take the plan and make it a reality in South East Queensland."

Mr Mickel said TransLink's new CEO joined British rail operator Network Rail in 2005 as the Route Director of London's North Western region.

"In this role he is currently responsible for overseeing the West Coast Main Line - the busiest mixed traffic railway in Europe - from London to the Scottish border as well the urban areas of Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool," Mr Mickel said.

"In 2006 Mr Strachan was appointed as a non-executive director on the Board of Transport Initiatives Edinburgh - the company responsible for developing and building the Scottish capital's new light rail system.

"He is also a director of the Institution of Railway Operators and Trustee of the Settle and Carlisle Railway Trust.

"He became the international public transport company's Chief Executive of the Australian Rail Division, running trains and trams in Melbourne before adding bus companies in Melbourne and Perth to the portfolio."

Mr Strachan said he was keen to return to Australia and live in "a vibrant city like Brisbane".

"I'm relishing the challenge of heading up the TransLink Transit Authority and delivering an effective public transport system for Brisbane and South East Queensland," Mr Strachan said.

"The State has made a huge investment in transport - now it's about really joining up the network and giving passengers the world-class system they deserve."

8 October, 2008

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[ozbob]

Congratulations Mr Strachan!

There is a growing emphasis on rail and Mr Strachan's background in rail is well placed.

[mufreight]

Mr Strachn's appointment represents a plus fo south east queensland commuters, he has a practical rail pedigree with knowledge of Public Transport so now we wait to see if the bean counters and ill advised government advisors and party hacks will provide him with what he will need to do the job or indeed if they will allow him to carry out the duties that he has been appointed to in recognition of his competence.