Metro development recognised at the Light Rail ‘Oscars’
Midland Metro Alliance and West Midlands Metro are celebrating after scooping accolades at the annual Global Light Rail Awards.
Both organisations were individually recognised in the Best Customer Initiative category at the event which celebrates and rewards the most outstanding contributors to the Light Rail industry from across the globe.
The alliance was highly commended for its work in keeping stakeholders up to date on the Metro extension schemes across the West Midlands as well as the support it provides, in collaboration with broadcast partners Local TV, to showcase some of the region’s businesses which might be impacted by tramway construction.
Antony Lowbridge-Ellis, head of communications at the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA), which is planning and delivering a number of tramway extensions on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), said: “We’re delighted to have been Highly Commended in this category at the Global Light Rail Awards.
“The recognition in the Best Customer Initiative category is testament to our commitment to ensuring that our stakeholders are kept informed and up-to-date on the progress of our projects and supported throughout.”
Meanwhile, in the same category, West Midlands Metro were also highly commended for supporting customers through the cost-of-living crisis by freezing fares and a range of value for money ticket options.
Michael Reading-Skilton, commercial manager at Midland Metro Limited, the operator of West Midlands Metro, added: “It’s fantastic to see our efforts to offer some relief for people who may be experiencing difficulties in the current economic climate being recognised by award judges.
“These accolades are a big deal in our industry, so it’s a massive honour to have been Highly Commended for the best customer-focused initiative of 2023.”
West Midlands Metro also received two Highly Commended in two other categories, Significant Safety Initiative with the installation of a Trap and Drag detection system further improving the safety for customers and Rising Star award for assistant project manager Helen Cooper who has demonstrated how a talented individual can truly make a difference in the light rail sector.
Also on the night, Hamish Falconer, MMA project manager was highly commended in the Rising Star category, which shines a spotlight on the future talent within the light rail industry.
Speaking about the recognition, Hamish said: “I am delighted to have been highly commended in the Rising Star category at this year’s Global Light Rail Awards. It’s an honour to be presented with such a prestigious recognition.”
For more information on the Global Light Rail Awards please see their website.
