Transport trade magazine Transit produces an annual 'who's who' supplement, titled Power 50. As you'd expect it lists what its panel of expert commentators feel is an accurate reflection of who in the UK transport industry weilds the most power.This year's top 10 altered slightly from that of 2008, though Sir Moir Lockhead (First Group), Brian Souter (Stagecoach Group) and Keith Ludeman (Go Ahead Group) remained static in 1st, 2nd and 5th places respectively.
London Mayor Boris Johnson made his first appearance in the top 10, being what Transit believe to be the 4th most powerful person in the transport industry; he is joined by another new entry, Geoff Hoon, Secretary of State for Transport, in 6th place although this position is likely to be held by whoever was appointed. Up 7 places to 3rd place was Network Rail's chief executive, Iain Coucher. Staying in the top ten, although dropping 1 place is TfL's Commissioner, Peter Hendy; up 1 place to 8th is National Express' Chief Executive, Richard Bowker; down 5 to 9th is Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer; and down 3 to 10th place is Arriva's CE, David Martin.
1. Sir Moir Lockhead, First Group
2. Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group
3. Iain Coucher, Network Rail
4. Boris Johnson, Mayor of London
5. Keith Ludeman, Go Ahead Group
6. Geoff Hoon, Transport Secretary
7. Peter Hendy, TfL Commissioner
8. Richard Bowker, National Express Group
9. Alistair Darling, Chanceller of the Exchequer
10. David Martin, Arriva
Recognisable names who've left the Power 50 entirely are outgoing London Mayor Ken Livingstone; former Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly; former Transport Minister Tom Harris; and EastGroup owner Stelios Haji-Ioannou. Newcomers, in addition to those already mentioned who made it directly into the top ten, include Transport Minister Lord Adonis; Passenger Focus' Anthony Smith; First Group's Dave Kay; Merseytravel's Neil Scales; and the Association of Train Operators' Michael Roberts.
It's interesting to note that one of Transit's judges, Hull Trains' co-founder John Nelson, managed 50th position last year and knocked himself out altogether in the latest list.
Transit's panel of experts comprise George Muir (former ATOC DG); Brian Cox (former exec director of Stagecoach); Transit's editor Robert Jack; Transit's contributing editor James Dark; and First Class Partnerships' John Nelson.
