London’s transport commissioner Andy Byford is to stand down from Transport for London (TfL) to return home to the states.

Byford became transport commissioner in June 2020 and has worked to lead TfL out of the pandemic and to help support London’s recovery

The announcement was made today as Byford said he’d delivered against the priorities he set at the start of his tenure – to get the Elizabeth line opened without any further delay, and to lead TfL out of the financial crisis caused by the pandemic.

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.

Since Byford became Transport Commissioner in June 2020 – not long after the pandemic hit – he’s credited with having worked tirelessly to keep the organisation afloat amid plummeting public transport usage and the need for repeated government bailouts.

Since the start of the pandemic, TfL has secured around £6bn in Government funding against a very difficult economic backdrop. The organisation has said its latest agreement with the Government, and an additional facility from the Greater London Authority, means it can now balance its budget and move on to deliver for London.

Byford has also overseen the creation of a new, more efficient organisational structure at TfL and the introduction of a new TfL vision and set of values.

Over the last couple of weeks, he has also directed the delivery of transport plans to support the events marking the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.

Current chief operating officer Andy Lord takes on the role of commissioner on an interim basis

Prior to joining TfL, Byford was president of New York City Transit and he will return to the United States after a transport career that has spanned 33 years and three continents.

Commenting on his departure, Byford said: “It has been a huge privilege to have served as commissioner, back where I first started as a station foreman. I have been blessed to have had such an amazing transport and public service journey and now is the right time to bow out and resume life in the US with my wife. I have hugely appreciated the support of the Mayor and of two outstanding Deputy Mayors. Together we have navigated some dark days through the toughest period in TfL’s history, always seeking to look after our colleagues and our customers as we steered TfL towards a brighter future.”

Wishing Byford well for the future, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he deserved huge thanks for his hard work and dedication, and that he had provided an exceptional service.

Transport union TSSA also wished Byford well and urged the next Commissioner to have the workforce at the organisation’s heart.

Manuel Cortes, TSSA general secretary, added: “We really hope that Andy’s departure doesn’t signal further cuts to Transport for London as the Tories’ long-term funding deal has already left huge holes in its finances.

“The next commissioner needs to build on Andy Byford’s relationship with TfL’s trade unions and the workforce, ensuring good industrial relations is at the heart of running our capital’s transport services.”