Colin Brady

Transport Planner, Surface Transport
Joined September 2009

When I started building a model city on my bedroom floor as a five-year-old, I'd never have guessed that planning roads and buses could be a career. But 20 years later, here I am.

I was introduced to transport planning while studying geography at Trinity College, Dublin, so I applied to do an MSc in the subject at the University of Leeds. Less than a year after graduating I was part of a team planning one of the most comprehensive bus networks in the world.

Varied placements

The chance to work in so many different areas of Transport for London (TfL) was the major attraction of the graduate scheme. It is also well-known and widely respected.

I began working in the Strategy Directorate creating maps, writing copy and responding to queries from across the business. After just three weeks I was asked to write an international report summarising key financial, service and environmental statistics for London Buses. This was a great opportunity for me to find out more about the planning, funding and delivery of services in the Capital.

Next I worked in London Buses reviewing routes and proposing improvements to the network. Buses play a key role in keeping people in touch with their community so I had to make sure any changes are in the interest of those who depend on the service.

I've also had the opportunity to work on road safety campaigns and help plan a route for Barclays Cycle Superhighways. 

Graduates are highly valued

TfL thinks highly of its graduates. In my short time here I've been responsible for answering questions from bus companies around the world, presenting to boroughs and even making changes to the network.

It's good to know that there will be plenty of opportunities after the scheme. TfL invests a lot of time and effort to help graduates realise their potential and it shows when you meet people who have been on the scheme and now work in important roles.