A pioneering project that’s helping to tackle one of the leading risks to tramway safety has seen West Midlands Metro receive recognition from colleagues across the wider rail sector.
The network was ‘Highly Commended’ in the Engineering and Safety category at the Rail Innovation Awards after trials of new technology to prevent ‘trap and drag’ incidents.
At the ceremony in London, Anthony Stanley, Metro’s Head of Operations and Safety, accepted the award on behalf of the network, expressing his delight at the initiative’s positive reception.
“Since installing an advanced monitoring system that can safely stop the tram when state-of-the-art sensors detect even the slightest obstruction to the doors, we’ve been collaborating closely with the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board to evaluate the effectiveness of this new technology. This is the first time such equipment has been installed on trams in the UK, and the trial findings will assist other operators in making informed decisions regarding similar technology.”
Matthew Hack, Head of Engineering at West Midlands Metro, who also attended the award ceremony organised by Modern Railways magazine, added, “This was our first entry into the awards, and to be highly commended on our debut is a remarkable achievement, especially given the strong competition from some of the country’s largest transport operators.”
