Important safety practices and staff successes for Metro operations and development in the West Midlands are in the worldwide spotlight after it was announced that the region’s expanding tram network has picked up eight nominations at the 2022 Global Light Rail Awards.
The awards, which are the industry’s highest profile ceremony, recognise the excellence of organisations in working in both the development of future Metro schemes, day-to-day operations and the future-proofing of existing routes.
The Midland Metro Alliance (MMA), which is planning and delivering a number of tramway extensions on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), is recognised in a number of categories, including:
- Rising Star of the Year – for Delivery Manager Daniel Colley who worked with colleagues to help deliver the Birmingham Westside Metro extension to Edgbaston Village earlier this year;
- Significant Safety Initiative – for the roll-out of regular and region-wide safety briefings, which encourage safe behaviours and helped the organisation roll-out updated COVID-19 messaging;
- Team of the Year – recognising the collaborative work that the alliance’s Communications Team do to promote light rail investment in the region locally, nationally and internationally whilst also progress sharing updates and advice to keep locals moving during construction phases;
There were celebrations for Metro operations, too, with TfWM, Midland Metro Limited (MML), the operator of West Midlands Metro, and Midland Metro Alliance recognised in the Project of the Year over €50m euros category for the successful delivery of the second phase of the Birmingham Westside Metro extension which saw the route extended to Edgbaston Village in time for the Commonwealth Games earlier in the summer. Alongside this nomination, West Midlands Metro were also chosen as finalists in the ‘Most Improved System’ category, in recognition of a host of initiatives, including the introduction of fare zones, a website refresh and a renewed commitment to recruitment and training, alongside the successful launch of services to Edgbaston.
West Midlands Metro is also in the running for:
- Employee of the Year – Materials Controller Kyle Read recognised for his running of the operator’s stores and the development and implementation of a new stock management system as the network expands;
- Rising Star of the Year – Graduate Management Trainee Sandeep Kaur Dulay for her work across several departments, including the management of signage ahead of the launch of zonal ticketing;
- Significant Safety Initiative – For pioneering the use of a sector-wide risk model to drive a £200,000 investement in enhanced pedestrian safety measures;
Sophie Allison, Metro Commercial Director, commented: “It is fantastic to see West Midlands Metro represented in so many award categories, particularly those which recognise safety, individual and team excellence. The nominations are a reflection of all the hard work and dedication of our team during the past twelve months.”
Peter Cushing, Director of the Midland Metro Alliance, added: “The nominations are a great honour as the Global Light Rail Awards is an important world-wide event that celebrates excellence the tramway operation and development. Alongside some fantastic project achievements, such as the opening of the Westside extension, we’re especially delighted that colleagues and teams, including our safety and communications teams, are recognised too.”
The Global Light Rail Awards 2022 will be taking place on Wednesday 5 October in London. For more information on the awards, you can visit the ceremony’s website.
Photo credit: Midland Metro Alliance
