Newsroom

25 February 2026

Bus and tram operator announces appointment of new managing director

Lea Harrison has been appointed as the new managing director of Blackpool Transport Services.

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He joins the business following 10 years as managing director for Edinburgh Trams, where he successfully oversaw a variety of projects, including an extension to the Edinburgh tramway network and a ‘Tap on, Tap off’ contactless ticketing system across both buses and trams. This contributed to a 250% growth in patronage along with multiple awards for customer service at the Global Light Rail awards and the Institute of Customer Services.

Lea brings a wealth of operational experience to Blackpool Transport, having originally started his career as one of the first tram drivers for Manchester Metrolink in 1991. From Manchester, he became head of service delivery at Tramlink Nottingham, successfully introducing two extensions to the network in August 2016, after which he then moved on to become the managing director for Edinburgh Trams.

Lea will take up his role from March 1, ahead of the retirement of the current managing director, Jane Cole OBE, who has led Blackpool Transport since 2014. In her 12 years at the helm of the company, Jane has led on the company’s introduction of a new modern bus fleet, as well the extension of tram services in Blackpool. Jane was awarded an OBE in the 2026 New Year’s Honour’s List. 

Cllr John Boughton, Chair of Blackpool Transport Services Board, added: 

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“I’m delighted that somebody with Lea’s experience is so keen to come and work in Blackpool. He will bring a wealth of knowledge about well-connected public transport operators that puts customers first. “I’d also like to place on record my immense thanks to Jane, who has spearheaded enormous change at BTS over the last decade, and she will be missed."
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Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member responsible for its relationship with Blackpool Transport added: 

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“We’re really lucky in Blackpool to have a bus and tram operator that is owned by the council and can put local people and customers first, unlike private corporations. Our relationship is the envy of many councils across the country and I am excited to see how Lea takes us on to bigger and better places.”
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Blackpool Transport Services operates bus and tram operations through Blackpool and the Fylde coast. 

In total, it operates nearly 100 buses, as well as Blackpool tramway which runs from Starr Gate to Fleetwood Ferry, as well as with an extension to Blackpool North train station. The company is also responsible for running the town’s heritage trams, of which a 2026 schedule is expected to be released shortly.

The company is wholly owned by Blackpool Council and is one of the few remaining local authority owned transport companies in the country.

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