Please introduce yourself
"My name is Luke Rodgers, I'm a Control Centre Manager and I’ve worked at TfGM for 11 years."
How have you seen things changed and how does your role contribute towards the changes?
"Since joining TfGM the role of the organisation has increased dramatically.
"There has been a huge investment in new bus stations and interchanges as well as new infrastructure such as the guided busway and Metrolink expansion.
"I was working for TfGM when George Osbourne (CofE) announced his devolution / bus franchising plans and have witnessed the introduction of the mayoral role, the GMCA and most recently the launch of an integrated transport network: Bee Network."
How have you felt supported in your role at TfGM?
"I have found TfGM to be a rewarding and supportive place to work. I have always felt that my wellbeing is important, and the organisation has a variety of support services and peer groups available.
"The benefit of free public transport to and from work is really useful and means that I can opt for sustainable modes of travel into and out of the city.
"Whenever I have gone through hard times, such as a family bereavement, I have always felt well supported by the organisation and it genuinely feels like they care about me."
What is your proudest achievement in your role at TfGM?
"I won a going the extra mile award for collaboration in 2024 for a project that aimed to improve working relationships between the Control Centre & Facilities Operations Team.
"I also currently manage 8 people directly and have helped two of my team members work through a Career Grade Progression programme this year and it was great to watch them succeed."
Are there opportunities for development and learning you have taken advantage of?
"TfGM run a programme of lunchtime learning events throughout the year. These are genuinely insightful and open to all colleagues from across the organisation."
What piece of advice would you give to people applying for opportunities with TfGM?
"Do it!
"I never expected to have a career with TfGM when I joined the organisation. However, I quickly realised that there are lots of opportunities to be promoted and progress a career within the business.
"It really helps if you have a foundational understanding of the geography of our region and have a good understanding of the Metrolink & bus networks across the 10 districts that make up Greater Manchester."
What do you love the most about serving our communities in Greater Manchester?
"My current role involves managing events, incidents and disruption across the network aiming to minimise the impact they have on people traveling across the region.
"It's really rewarding to watch your interventions make a real and tangible difference to somebody’s journey experience whether that it by road, bus or tram.
"I love that my job is so Greater Manchester centric and I am proud to play a tactical role in delivering for the people of our region every journey, every day."
Are you a member of any of the many networks at TfGM?
"No, not currently although I have relationships with the colleagues who either founded or play a key role in the delivery of both the rainbow and TfGMen networks."