Blackpool Transport Managing Director reflects on retirement

Retiring after decades in the transport sector, Jane Cole, Managing Director of Blackpool Transport.

A leading figure in the transport sector has announced that she’s set to retire later this year after a successful career in trains, trams and buses. Jane Cole OBE joined Blackpool Transport as Managing Director in 2015, and under her leadership, it has enjoyed remarkable success over the past decade, including an impressive collection of industry awards.

Over a career spanning nearly 50 years, she has also played a leading role in a wide range of transport and business organisations, including UKTram, the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, the North West Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, and Confederation of Passenger Transport.

As Blackpool Transport finalised the process of recruiting a successor, ahead of her retirement in May, Jane said that, above all, she feels privileged to have had the opportunity to serve the people of Blackpool and the surrounding areas.

“I’m really going to miss all the people who work so hard to deliver the best possible bus and tram services on the Fylde Coast for residents and millions of tourists. It is certainly a very special place,” she said.

“Also, I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received from members of my team, the wider Blackpool Transport family, the local authority and colleagues from across the transport sector.”

A clear passion for the area has been a major factor in Jane’s success in Blackpool, as have decades of experience in mainline railways, first with British Rail and later with Virgin Trains.

After joining the then nationalised railway at the age of 18, initially working as a clerk in the payroll department, Manchester-born Jane soon secured a new role at Blackpool North Station, where she was responsible for rostering.

A rapid rise through the ranks saw her become a quality manager for provincial and Inter-City services and an onboard manager before landing the position of Train Services Manager at Euston Station. Here she enjoyed one of the highlights of her career, meeting the Queen and other members of the Royal Family while managing the Royal Train.

Privatisation of the railways saw her join Virgin Trains in 1997, where she became regional manager for Ango-Scotland services and later regional manager for Manchester and Liverpool services.

“This really was a golden age, and I learnt so much from Richard Branson, his commitment to finding innovative ways to put the customer experience first and the importance of building a work family around you that you can really trust,” Jane said.

Although May will mark the end of an era for both Jane and Blackpool Transport, she has no plans to retire completely, using her broad experience to help causes that remain close to her heart.

“I may take a little time out to enjoy some quality time with family, but I fully intend to continue my support for several charities, entrepreneurs and women who work in the transport industry.

“I would also like to offer my very best wishes for the future to my successor and everyone at Blackpool Transport, I’m sure the organisation will be in very safe hands!” she added.

UKTram would like to wish Jane Cole, every success as she steps into the next chapter. UKTram thanks Jane for her contribution to both Blackpool Transport and the wider light rail community and wishes her - and her successor - every success for the future.