Tasmania poaches Brisbane Metro chief for key transport role

3 months ago 20

Tasmania has raided Brisbane City Council’s ranks to poach its new head of public transport in three of that state’s largest communities.

Fresh from helping deliver the Brisbane Metro, Jessica Paton will start in her new role as chief executive of Metro Tasmania in the new year.

Paton was, until this month, Brisbane City Council’s general manager of public transport strategy and network services, overseeing delivery of the city’s new bus network, including Brisbane Metro.

Jessica Paton helped deliver the Brisbane Metro electric bus system.

Metro Tasmania is a state-owned company that operates bus services in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie.

Council transport chairman Andrew Wines said he expected Paton to make a positive impact in Tasmania, “just as she did here in Brisbane”.

“We owe sincere thanks to Jessica, whose dedication and hard work supported the delivery of Brisbane’s new bus network and helped improve the way people move around our city,” he said.

Jessica Paton, who helped deliver Brisbane Metro, is transferring her skills to Metro Tasmania.

“More than 30 million people have travelled on Brisbane’s new bus network since its launch, and journey times from South Bank Bus Station to the city are now more than 40 per cent faster.

“Jessica was a valued member of Brisbane City Council, and through her efforts and support, we have delivered thousands of additional public transport services each year to help keep Brisbane moving.”

Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Kerry Vincent said Paton’s experience with the council and Queensland Rail, where she worked on the Cross River Rail and the new European signalling system, held her in good stead to head the state’s bus system.

“At the Brisbane City Council, Ms Paton leads a multidisciplinary branch of more than 200 staff and contractors,” he said.

“Her work covers strategic network planning, safety and risk, workforce training, network scheduling, and event transport operations.

“We are at an exciting time in Metro’s history, with a number of key projects, and I welcome Ms Paton to the role.”

Comment was sought from Paton, who will take up her new position on January 19.