Blackpool Transport have announced the appointment of a new Tramway Operations and Safety Manager. Steve Staley joins Blackpool Transport and brings with him 30 years of experience in tramway operations in both the UK and Middle East.
Steve started his career at Manchester Metrolink, where he worked as a duty manager, before moving to the Middle East in 2010 with senior roles on the Dubai Metro and the Gulf city’s airport transport system. He returned to the UK in 2023 to work as a Rail Operations Specialist, playing an important role in the successful Trams to Newhaven extension in Edinburgh. He then returned to the Middle East as Head of Operations and Service Delivery on the Riyadh Metro in Saudi Arabia.
Blackpool Transport’s Head of Service Delivery, Jamie Swift, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Steve to our team as we look forward to a busy summer season.
“Following the recent launch of the new 10-minute timetable, his extensive experience will be invaluable as we strive to deliver the best possible service while ensuring safety remains our highest priority.
“This will be particularly important as we plan for a series of major events over the coming months, including the World Fireworks Championship, an Air Show and the annual illuminations.
“We’re thrilled that Steve has agreed to join us, and I am sure the rest of the team will benefit from his knowledge and expertise as we work towards further improvements to our tramway operations.”
Steve himself added: “These are exciting times for the tram operator as it builds on the successful launch of service to North Station last year while introducing more frequent and reliable services across the Fylde Coast.
“With so much going on, I’m delighted to be part of an enthusiastic team that’s driving Blackpool’s tram system into an exciting new era.”
They’ve got a lot of heads of this, that and the other. I guess they need more people between whom they can pass the collective buck for taking 130 year old continuously operating tramway that had become a global icon and turning it into the current useless mess!
I visited Blackpool once last year, but didn’t ride on any public transport. I have no plans to visit at all this year, nor next year. The management of the tramway and the management of the Pleasure Beach have, between them, managed to kill off two great heritage attractions.
Well said Andy!!!
More frequent and reliable services? Is he in a dreamworld?
I wonder if the new chap will cancel the new tramway extension BEFORE the summer ends or after the summer ends!