Two leading transport figures appointed to drive Cambridgeshire and Peterborough connectivity ambitions

Two leading transport figures appointed to drive Cambridgeshire and Peterborough connectivity ambitions

Two highly experienced transport leaders have been appointed to support the Combined Authority’s ambition for better connectivity and Mayor Paul Bristow’s priority ‘to get the region moving.’ 

Peter Cushing has been named Light Rail Commissioner, and Leon Daniels OBE has been appointed as independent chair of the review into bus franchising implementation. Both will play pivotal roles in advancing the Combined Authority’s work to develop modern, efficient, and sustainable public transport which improves lives, protects the environment and supports and unlocks economic growth. 

Above: Peter Cushing

Peter has 25 years rail and light rail national and international experience, working on behalf of private and public sector organisations. He has extensive experience of light rail planning, procurement, design, construction, operations and safety. Peter was appointed as Midland Metro Alliance Director in February 2020, to lead the alliance team of planning, design and construction specialists to build three new tram extensions across the region over the coming five years on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Previously, he was CEO of Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, and a Metrolink Director at Transport for Greater Manchester for five years, overseeing the expansion programme. He is well versed in working with senior local and central government bodies in regulatory areas and to delivering major capital programmes. 

Peter will advise the Mayor on all aspects of assessing, planning, and potentially delivering a light rail network for Greater Cambridge. He will provide oversight, constructive challenge, and expert input into the viability of proposals, the development of business cases, and the integration of light rail within the broader transport system. Peter will play an advisory role in shaping the long-term transport vision needed to support sustainable growth across Greater Cambridge and the wider region. 

Leon Daniels is recognised as one of the UK’s foremost public transport leaders, with a distinguished record in London and internationally. As Managing Director of Surface Transport at Transport for London, he was responsible for all road, bus, light rail and surface transport services, a £3.5bn budget, and the successful delivery of transport for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. His expertise will support the Combined Authority find the best way to put franchising in place – a key step towards a simpler, more reliable, and more affordable bus network for residents. 

As Independent Chair of the Review into Implementation Pathways for Bus Franchising, he will oversee the review process on behalf of the Mayor – shaping its scope, guiding consultants, engaging with local operators, and scrutinising emerging findings. Leon will ensure the review is robust, practical and delivers clear recommendations to help the Combined Authority chart the best route to bus franchising 

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow, said: “To finally deliver the modern, joined-up transport system this region needs, we need the right people. Peter and Leon bring exceptional expertise and a cast iron track record of delivery. I want this region to be the country’s fastest growing local economy. To do that, we need to show ambition. I’m serious about delivering light rail and bringing in a bus franchising system that is affordable and works for passengers. These appointments will help us get there.” 

Peter Cushing, Light Rail Commissioner, said: “I’m excited to be supporting the Mayor and Combined Authority at such a pivotal time for the region and the country. A long-term, multi-modal, transport solution for Greater Cambridge to match the ambition for economic growth is now urgently needed.” 

Leon Daniels OBE, Independent Chair of the Bus Franchising Implementation Review, said: “The Combined Authority has an ambitious agenda to transform bus transport to support growth and a sustainable and prosperous future for everyone. I’m very pleased to lend my experience in helping to assess how best that can be achieved.” 

Alongside these appointments, the Mayor has also confirmed that Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald has been appointed as Planning Commissioner, with an initial focus on regeneration opportunities in Peterborough city centre.