Both the current and future West Midlands Metro network is in the running at the forthcoming Global Light Rail Awards with no fewer than eight nominations. These nominations cover both the Midland Metro Alliance (who are planning and delivering the extensions) and Midland Metro Limited (operators of the current network) who will have everything crossed during the ceremony that they will be recognised for their achievement over the past year.
Amongst the categories they have been shortlisted in has been the Project of the Year over 50 million euros for successful delivery of phase two of the Birmingham Westside extension to Edgbaston Village which finally opened this July. This is a joint nomination for Midland Metro Alliance and Midland Metro Limited alongside Transport for West Midlands although other nominations see the organisations separated out.
Other nominations include:
- Most Improved System – Midland Metro Limited 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.
- Rising Star of the Year – Midland Metro Alliance: Delivery Manager Daniel Colley for his work to help deliver the Westside extension
- Rising Star of the Year – Midland Metro Limited: Graduate Management Trainee Sandeep Kaur Dulay for her work across several departments including management of the signage for the launch of ticket zones
- Significant Safety Initiative – Midland Metro Alliance: roll-out of regular and region wide safety briefings
- Team of the Year – Midland Metro Alliance: recognising collaborative work that the communications team do to promote light rail investment in the region
- Employee of the Year – Midland Metro Limited: Materials Controller Kyle Read for the running of the operator’s stores and the development and implementation of the new stock management system
- Significant Safety Initiative – Midland Metro Limited: Pioneering the use of a sector wide risk model to drive £200,000 investment in enhanced pedestrian safety measures
Sophie Allison, Metro Commercial Director, said: “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 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.”