Transport for London (TfL) announced that London's Transport Commissioner, Andy Byford, will be leaving the organisation, having delivered against the priorities he set at the start of his tenure. Byford will leave TfL at the end of October, closing out a 33-year public service career, with current Chief Operating Officer Andy Lord taking on the role of Commissioner on an interim basis.

Before TfL, Byford was President of New York City Transit, and will return to America after a transport career that has spanned 33 years and three continents.

Andy Lord joined TfL in November 2019 as Managing Director of London Underground, and became Chief Operating Officer for all of TfL's operations earlier this year. As Chief Operating Officer he's responsible for the safe, reliable and effective operation of TfL's entire rail services, which include London Underground and the Elizabeth line, along with London's strategic road network, bus services, cycle hire, river services, London Cable Car and trams.

Arrangements for a new Chief Operating Officer will be confirmed in due course.

Andy Byford, London's Transport Commissioner, said:

“When I came to TfL I set two clear priorities - to get the Elizabeth line open without further delay and to lead TfL out of the pandemic and into a financially sustainable future. The opening of the Elizabeth line was, without doubt, the highlight of my career - made truly poignant as it was one of the last major events attended by Her Majesty the Queen. It was an honour to meet her, and an honour to oversee the transport arrangements for the ceremonial events to mark her passing.

“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.”