Regular readers of Manchester Buses will recognise Councilor Keith Whitmore. He's been a Councilor for 30 years and has popped up at pretty much every press photocall for GMPTE in recent memory. No matter where it is, Keith will be there grinning for the camera.
There's more to Keith though. He's a Director of Manchester Museum of Transport and Greater Manchester Accessible Transport and is Chair of Heaton Park Tramway Committee too. It's probably fair to say, in the nicest possible way, that Keith is a transport geek.
What's the dream job for a transport geek? Why, Chair of GMITA of course! This is the top job in Greater Manchester transport and today Keith stepped into the role. He replaces Trafford councilor Matt Colledge.
It's an exciting time to take the top post at GMITA. With Metrolink expansion currently underway and big plans for improving the region's transport network on the table, there's a lot to think about. Right now, Keith says, he's going to concentrate on dealing with overcrowding on the region's trains and, more importantly for us here at Manchester Buses, developing "a new way of working with bus operators – based on binding partnerships and a quality charter".
These type of agreements have a rocky history. Similar agreements between First and SYPTE in South Yorkshire fell apart due to the transport equivalent of the 'musical differences' that break up rock bands. Keith is, however, upbeat. "We hope (this) will deliver significantly improved services across the county".
He's become almost a recurring gag when it comes to the GMPTE/GMITA's press releases...
Hope he brings many good changes in the new role.
Posted by: Danny | June 20, 2009 at 08:15 PM