Melanie is responsible for public transport operations, transport policy and strategy, bus reform and capital development and infrastructure delivery.  With an investment portfolio of over £2bn in development or delivery the key investments include the renewal of the tram infrastructure, developing plans for tram extensions, and upgrading/developing new rail and tram stops.

Melanie joined SYMCA early in 2024 and has successfully overseen the transfer of the South Yorkshire Supertram back into public control, under South Yorkshire Future Trams Limited (SYFTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of SYMCA, which also runs the only tram-train service in the country. She has secured early draw down of funding for the renewal of the tram infrastructure, rolling stock and depot. She is also leading on Bus reform with an independent audit of a bus franchising assessment underway.

Melanie was previously at WYCA for 7 years leading on the delivery of infrastructure schemes, appraisal and assurance, transport policy and delivery.  Prior to that Melanie held various public and private sector roles, working in KPMG’s advisory practice and working in local government roles.

Melanie is passionate about delivering efficient public services and ensuring the best use of public funds.  She is committed to developing people and working strategically with partners to achieve shared objectives.  Throughout her career she has designed and delivered services, projects and programmes which meet agreed objectives with partners, the needs of the customer, and provide value for money.  This has ranged from major infrastructure schemes, corporate efficiency programmes and corporate centre organisational redesign, transport, regeneration and place making.