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Tim O'Toole's departure is not only a great loss for Londoners but a serious blow to Mayor Boris Johnson.
His departure increases the likelihood of strikes, makes it more difficult to solve the Tube's financial problems and leaves the system rudderless at a perilous time.
Mr O'Toole might not have solved all the problems London Undergrou nd faced when he took over six years ago but he has certainly done far better than anyone hoped.
His engaging but quiet personal style won over managers and workforce alike, and enabled him to steer a steady course through the minefield of the Public Private Partnership deal imposed on Ken Livingstone's administration by Gordon Brown.
He saw off the threat of strikes, at times appealing to the common sense of staff by going over the heads of the ludicrously confrontational RMT union led by Bob Crow whose style of negotiation recalls the "everybody out" style of Sixties sitcoms.
When he first got the job, he could not start work immediately because the details of the PPP were being finalised so he spent the time roaming the system talking to employees. The experience stood him in good stead as he was trusted by the workforce in a way no previous boss the Underground has been and it ensured that the RMT was unable to paint him as a fat cat manager. When travelling on the Tube with MrO'Toole, it was noticeable how often he was greeted warmly by the staff.
His leadership after the 7/7 attacks was exemplary and he not only calmed Londoners' fears but ensured that the damaged lines were back working far faster than expected.
He managed to overcome the bankruptcy of Metronet, the PPP contractor, by simply renationalising the work - under a Tory mayor - and most recently he kept much of the Tube system running when snow stopped the buses. On a more mundane level, he has greatly improved information systems for passengers, ensuring that the causes of delays are conveyed quickly and succinctly.
Of course there are massive problems simmering below the surface and a potential looming financial crisis as the PPP requires bailing out.
The Mayor, who will unfairly get blamed in some quarters for MrO'Toole's departure, will struggle to find anyone able to combine leadership and the common touch in the way the American did.
Reader views (6)
All very admirable I'm sure Christian but he did not stop the system grinding to a halt a few weeks back with a smattering of snow!
- Steve, Herts, UK
I totally agree with you Mr Wolmar. I am one of the train operator who will do anything for Tim O'Toole,and For his team.
Tim O'Toole is the best manager of public services that London has ever had.
As an employee of London Underground, I am very proud of Tim O'Toole being my Managing Director and I am very sad to see him go.
But I know Tim O'Toole is telling the truth. I had this conversation with him last 2006 January. He is not only my "Buddy" but also my good Boss & he is a good family man. No matter what people will say about Tim, he served with honour, pride & with dignity to the people of London.
He always told us to give our passengers a world class service.
Everybody says "Family comes first". Tim is choosing his family, now some people are criticising him for that, without knowing anything about him.
We should be thankful to Tim as he sacrificed his life to achieve & give our Capital the world class service. Every one of us in LUL knew it would take time. It is not his fault if Metro-net went bust. He has improved the London underground structure and he did excellent. He never wasted public money.
Which company do you hear about their Managing Director calling his employees on a first name basis? Tim O'Toole does that. He is a very approachable Director and a real gentleman.
- Train Operator, London
Allan Weaver's comment, Er is that what most of the UK did for labour vote them in, And what a load of clowns they are, He might be a twit but he has not brought London to its knees, unlike Labour has done for Britain.
- Stephen, Ashford Kent.
Put a clown like Boris Johnson in a position of power and you get what you deserve. I have never understood why the people of London voted for that twit.
- Allan Weaver, Whitchurch, England
Pick me! I'll be his replacement. I'm not a Londoner, but I have lived here for 10 years, and have worked for the likes of Google, Yahoo!, Oracle, and Lockheed Martin. I can relate to the common working man (or woman), and will never turn down an opportunity to drink beer with them after a hard day's graft!
- Scott Deagan, London
Whilst the people & Staff morn a working personality who was paid a considerable amount in salary terms, we must all remember that whoever replaces a man that can quit a job which pays such a large salary whilst others are losing their's by the thousands in this economic crisis, is obviously very concieted with the knowledge that he will be re-employed at his leisure, & I say good luck & good riddance and every success to his replacement and hope he or she is if not a londoner is from these shores (as there is over 60 millon of us to choose from)with the passion to serve the london community & its employees as they are duty bound and obliged by their senior position
- John, London,England
