Search begins for new boss to run Capital's tram project

Published on Saturday 17 January 2009 10:03

TRANSPORT chiefs have begun the search for the new boss of the Capital's £512 million tram project with the job description of delivering the scheme "on time and on budget".

Commanding a six-figure salary, the chief executive position of tram firm TIE had previously been filled by Willie Gallagher, who quit for personal reasons in November.

The new chief executive will be charged with delivering the project on time and on budget, as well as improving the public relations of a project mired in controversy.

Recruitment adverts stress the job has increased significance because the Capital's traffic congestion is "set to double by 2021", and the tram project will be a vital way of reducing cars on the city's streets.

Until his departure, Mr Gallagher had been carrying out the roles of both TIE's chief executive and chairman and receiving a basic salary of 170,000.

He was also set to earn up to 340,000 in bonuses by 2011 if the project was completed on time.

His shock resignation led Transport Edinburgh Limited's chairman, David Mackay, to take over as interim chairman of TIE.

Mr Mackay said today: "I expect the post will attract a high calibre of applicants, who would like to take responsibility for leading the delivery of the construction of the Edinburgh tram project through to successful completion. Whoever is successful in applying for this role will also play a major role in the overall development of public transport in Edinburgh."

The tram project is set to enter a crucial phase, with Princes Street to close to traffic for eight months from February.

Mr Gallagher received criticism for his handling of traffic management, notably the botched closure of The Mound in October.

Gordon Burgess, of the Leith Business Association, said the new chief executive would have to be better at listening to small business owners, who have seen their trade hit by the tram works.

He said: "I would like to see greater transparency, more understanding of the intricacies of the project and an improvement in what's gone before."

The city's transport convener, Councillor Phil Wheeler, said the council looked forward to identifying an "exceptional candidate".

• www.tramtime.com, www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet