Authorities Group, and this group has recently announced a new Chair and Vice Chair as it continues to drive forward key priorities and collaboration across the sector.
Chris Hopkinson, Head of Metro Operations at Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), has been named the new Chair with Stuart Lowrie, Public Transport Manager for the City of Edinburgh Council, set to be the new Vice Chair. They replace Danny Vaughan (from TfGM) and Mark Davis (from London Trams) who have now stepped down.
Chris Hopkinson has played a leading role in the delivery and expansion of the West Midlands Metro, supporting long-term ambitions for growth, integration and innovation. He said: “I’m looking forward to chairing the Owners and Authorities UKTram group. Working with colleagues I hope we can look at opportunities to collaborate in order to improve our systems and also look at how we can support those Authorities looking to implement light rail”.
Stuart Lowrie will bring his in-depth knowledge to the role from his work overseeing public transport policy and delivery in Edinburgh, including the tram network. He commented: ““I am very happy to be appointed as vice chair and will do all I can to support Chris. UK Tram, and particularly the owners / authorities group, has been an invaluable source of information and assistance to me in my role in Edinburgh and I look forward to getting more involved in the development of this important organisation.”
James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, added: “We’re grateful to Danny and Mark for their exceptional leadership, and delighted to welcome Chris and Stuart to their new roles. The Owners and Authorities Group is vital in shaping sector strategy and supporting our collective ambitions. We look forward to building on that momentum with Chris and Stuart on board.”