James Syson

Background

About James Syson

Currently employed as Investment Sponsor Manager for Transport for the North within the Strategic Rail Team of the Rail & Roads directorate based in Manchester. Responsibilities include management of rail policy and supporting the case for multi billion pound investment in the north's rail network Formerly Rail Strategy Liaison Manager at TfN with responsibility for developing the North's Long Term Rail Strategy and lead officer for the TransPennine Route Upgrade. Formerly Chair of the East Lancs & Clitheroe Line Community Rail Partnerships and Director of Community Rail Lancashire Ltd. Over 22 years of experience in transport policy, project delivery and management, travel planning, accessibility planning, marketing, sales and business liaison. I have been involved in a variety of projects and duties which have required an in depth knowledge of local, regional and national transport and planning policy as well as excellent project management and communication skills. Recent achievements- Established the TRU Stakeholder Forum in partnership with the Department for Transport - TfN lead officer for rail industry review of a concept timetable for the North of England (mid 2030's)- TfN lead and project manager for the multi billion pound TransPennine Route Upgrade - Project managing the North of England Long Term Rail Strategy refresh 2017 -2018. A further refresh is now being developed in 2022- Author and project management of a post covid tourism led rail recovery strategy and action plan for TfN - Project management of the extension to the Darwen passing loop - a £15m major rail project plus other small station investments- From 2012 - 2017 I project have managed the BwD Connect project. Circa £2m invested in schemes designed to promote more sustainable transport schemes across the borough- Project managed the delivery of the Weavers Wheel cycle network. Over £1m spent on this scheme designed to create a strategic cycle network for the borough of Blackburn with Darwen- On behalf of Community Rail Lancashire I managed consultation with bidders for the TPE and Northern rail franchises - highlighting the importance of station, service and rolling stock investment in the norths rail network - I successfully project managed Blackburn with Darwen's Local Authority contract with British Cycling between 2011-2017. During this time I helped to transform the perception of cycling in East Lancashire through the delivery of infrastructure enhancements to the network and the support of new clubs and groups forming in the local area.