Tram expert's global job switch

Philip Purdy has 30 years of transport experience

An Australian transport expert, who has overseen the expansion of Melbourne's tram network, has been hired to get Manchester's Metrolink on track.

Philip Purdy is moving 10,500 miles for his new role as the as Metrolink Director at Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE).

He will oversee the £600m expansion to Oldham, Rochdale, Droylsden, Chorlton and mediacity:uk in Salford Quays.

Mr Purdy said Manchester is "a world-class city".

'Major boost'

"The new Metrolink extensions will nearly double the size of the network and take an extra five million car journeys off local roads every year," he said.

"They will bring huge benefits to new parts of Greater Manchester and I'm delighted I'll be helping to make them become a reality."

Mr Purdy previously worked at Yarra Trams, which operates Melbourne's network, one of the largest in the world.

David Leather, GMPTE's chief executive, said Mr Purdy's vast experience was "a major boost to the Metrolink expansion".