The TTC's new boss is promising to improve customer service and the cleanliness of Toronto's public transit system.

Transit officials confirmed Tuesday they've taken the interim tag off Andy Byford and named him the TTC's new chief executive officer, a position formerly known as chief general manager.

Byford had been serving as interim chief general manager since the firing of Gary Webster.

Byford appeared at a news conference alongside TTC chair Karen Stintz on Tuesday, telling reporters he is honoured to lead such a "prestigious" organization such as the TTC.

"I'm going to do my damnedest to take this company forward," Byford said.

"My opinion will be based on facts. I will give frank and fearless advice," he later said. "What the policy members do with that advice is up to them."

In his remarks, he promised an "all-out blitz" to improve the TTC's cleanliness and customer service.

"What I really want to do is to focus on the day-to-day dealings of our customers," he said.

While discussing his leadership style, Byford said he is a "hands-on" kind of guy who believes in accountability and leading from the front, and he will show overt support for his staff.

Byford, who wears a name badge when he takes public transit in Toronto, said he wants to create an environment that will make employees proud to work for the TTC.

"I want to see more managers on the system seeing what needs to be improved," Byford said.

A notice was sent to TTC employees Tuesday morning after word of Byford's appointment leaked to the media Monday night.

For the hiring to become official, the TTC's board of commissioners must ratify the appointment at its meeting March 30.

Byford previously served as chief operating officer for Rail Corporation New South Wales, as well as holding several positions with transit operators in the United Kingdom, including the London Underground.

He succeeds Webster, who was fired Feb. 21 following his support of light-rail transit rather than Mayor Rob Ford's vision for subways.

Byford took on the role of chief operating officer when he joined the TTC last November.

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