South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) has taken on two new directors to oversee the county’s buses, trams and trains.

Ben Gilligan has been appointed as Director of Public Transport and Tim Taylor as Director of Customer Services, in new roles created to respond to the changing shape of public transport in the region, customer travel information and infrastructure needs.

It follows a significant period of restructure at SYPTE to meet ongoing budget efficiencies, and a realignment of the local transport strategy function to the Sheffield City Region executive team.

Tim joins SYPTE from Working Links to deliver a step-change in public transport customer experience delivery and to lead the Executive through future service and organisational transformation.

Ben joins SYPTE from Transport for Greater Manchester, having previously been Managing Director of First South Yorkshire. The Director of Public Transport’s remit includes responsibility for leading the Executive’s approach to new challenges and opportunities and reinforcing the workforce’s transport skills and capabilities.

SYPTE Executive Director, Stephen Edwards, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tim and Ben to SYPTE. Ben’s time in South Yorkshire has given him a detailed understanding of public transport within the region and an insight into the challenges and opportunities we face. Tim has significant experience of business and commercial change, in particular with a view to driving customer excellence. Both Ben and Tim’s additional understanding of Local Government and strong experience of managing operational services reinforces our senior management structure at what is a progressive and exciting time for public transport in South Yorkshire.”

The appointments have been effective since 6 March 2017.