SPOTLIGHT Rail Awards 2024 Event Programme by PelotonEvents

Rail Awards

24

Contents 03 04 08 12 20 25 26 36 40 44 47 Thank You to Our Sponsors All Shortlisted Companies Asset Management Excellence Corporate Social Responsibility Training Excellence Meet the Judges Acting as One Team Commitment to Safety Product of The Year Principal Contractor of The Year Meet the Judges Innovative Rolling Stock Best Use of Technology Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Young Rail Professional Plant Excellence Operator of The Year Delivering For The Customer Net Zero Pioneer Outstanding Project Under £20M Outstanding Project Over £20M Tables 48 52 58 62 72 76 80 86 92 96 100 2

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Headline Sponsor Corporate Sponsors Category Sponsors

Shortlisted Companies

Engineering a better future for our planet and its people

We’re committed to lead our clients, and partners across the infrastructure ecosystem, to engineer this better future for our planet and its people.

atkinsrealis.com

ASSET MANAGEMENT

ASSET MANAGEMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT

MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE

MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE

Shortlist

Incremental Solutions Ltd

Project: OLErt

OLErt is a real-time remote conditioning monitoring system which aims to reduce incidents where overhead catenary lines cause an issue with the trains pantograph, or vice-versa.

Incremental’s objectives of this was making rail staff safer, minimising cost to industry of OLE incidents and adapt from reactive to proactive maintenance, reducing cost of OLE monitoring through technology, and it being an easily implemented solution.

OLErt can provide the customer savings by enabling them to put immediate restrictions in place to stop the issue getting worse, fixing the issue quickly, avoiding catastrophic failures which could close the railway, and reducing the time lost in delays and cancellations because of OLE failure.

Petards Rail and CrossTech

Project: Addressing Industry-wide Vegetation Management Issues

Network Rail and Greater Anglia are collaborating with CrossTech and Petards Rail to proactively address an industry-wide issue, in a partnership which has resulted in ‘firsts’ for the global rail industry.

The collaborative approach sees the four companies harness the power of data, innovative technology, computer vision AI, and cross-agency communication to identify and address vegetation growth and contamination on rail lines.

The companies had to plan how they worked together to meet the objectives of the project. A project plan was put together including key milestones and timings along with regular meetings.

ASSET MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE

South Western Railway

Project: SWR Fleet Maintenance

The SWR engineering team is a diverse team of over 800 people located across the whole of the network, from Wimbledon to Bournemouth who maintain, service, clean and deliver its fleet of over 400 trains to passengers every day.

With the Class 458 uplift project, SWR was presented with a situation whereby there were not enough trains to fulfil all diagrams, potentially leading to service cancellations and delays.

To overcome this, the team at Wimbledon Depot worked to ensure that enough Class 458 trains were made available for service by clearing long term defects, carrying out enhanced reliability exams and completing heavy cleans.

As a result of this, the number of Class 458 trains made available is now 25, compared to the previous 19, and the Class 455 fleet has been uplifted by an additional two trains.

ASSET MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE

CORPORATE SOCIAL

CORPORATE SOCIAL CORPORATE SOCIAL CORPORATE SOCIAL

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Shortlist

AtkinsRéalis

Project: STEM Governors for Schools Programme

In March 2023, AtkinsRealis made a commitment to place 44 voluntary Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Governors on under-represented school boards in England and Wales.

By infiltrating the governance structure of the education system, it is bridging the gap between the boardroom, classroom and community.

This is a first-of-a-kind framework for delivering sustained educational outreach and equal access to job opportunities in the schools and communities that need it the most, whist enabling AtkinsRéalis to listen to local people about how it can level-up their area by designing infrastructure together.

Its staff will share their business skills to champion STEM, equipping young people with the future-focussed mindset and qualifications to increase their employability.

Twelve months ahead of schedule, AtkinsRéalis has recruited 72 STEM Governors (exceeding its public target) who are projected to donate 23,155 hours of voluntary time to over 35,000 under-represented young people. It has subsequently revised its target to recruit 150 Governors by 2025, doubling its impact.

Avanti West Coast

Project: Feel Good Field Trips

Avanti West Coast has worked in collaboration with Community Rail Lancashire, who alongside other Community Rail Partnerships across the country, deliver a wide range of Feel Good Field trips.

Each trip involves travel on an Avanti West Coast service to unique experiences at destinations along the West Coast Main Line, we also ensure lunch is provided.

Most of the trips are supported by a dedicated Community Rail Officer to support the teachers as many have never taken a school group on a train before, the Rail Officer will also provide a rail safety/travel confidence session as part of the trip.

Some of the experiences include cooking a curry in Manchester, an outdoor adventure in the Lake District, writing and recording a song in Soho, enjoying a ferry ride on the river Mersey, a workshop at the Guardian Foundation and learning about dinosaurs at the Herbert Gallery in Coventry.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Frauscher UK Ltd.

Project: Frauscher Impact

In 2022-2023, Frauscher came up with a streamlined CSR program at the global level that helped implement some great projects and achieve many important and new milestones.

In January 2023, the Frauscher UK management decided to take an active lead in CSR topics, which involved implementing a UK-specific CSR strategy that the company could follow in the long-term.

It started by identifying certain key focus areas that can uphold its organisational values and goals. Out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) per the United Nations' agenda, it chose four SDG areas to contribute to.

The next step was to define precisely how it could contribute in each of these areas - both as a company and as individual volunteers.

The four topics it decided to focus on in 2023 were Communities, Wellbeing, Education and Environment.

Adopting a structured approach to CSR made it easier to get all its ideas into action. It ensured that employees were aware of the avenues and areas it supports so they can participate where they can make a difference.

Greater Anglia

Project: Continuing to Proactively Operate in the Interests of the Customers and Communities

Greater Anglia has taken a proactive and consistent approach to playing its full part in helping its customers and communities thrive.

Its CSR approach runs through all that it does. Whether it be securing, delivering and deploying new trains, now in place right across its entire network, to the benefit of passengers and wider stakeholders; partnering with local organisations to promote and support the sustainable development of the region or working with community rail partnerships or station adopters to link into local needs and make its stations attractive.

Its successful Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs), undertake projects to promote rail, highlight integrated transport links, improve stations and increase community engagement, whilst its station adopters do excellent work brightening up stations with flowers, gardens and other targeted initiatives.

It also tries to support good causes and local charities where it can and help with initiatives that have wider societal benefits.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Shortlist

Heathrow Express

Project: Supporting Adults With Autism

Heathrow Express is proud of its partnership with Paddington Partnership and Pursuing Independent Paths (PIP) charity.

The charity’s aim is to help all adults with a learning disability and autism, to find their voice and lead a life of their choice. This helps to support the National Autism Society to create a society that works for people with autism.

This year it wanted to do more and empower adults with learning disabilities and autism to gain new skills so they can explore new opportunities.

It invited a group to visit its train and help them and their families to achieve, what they thought was impossible – go on a family holiday on a plane. Its first event was held in May 2023.

Students were supported throughout the day and after the interactive session at the airport they were taken to the car park at terminal five by a driverless PODs, which offers a quick and convenient option for parking at Heathrow.

South Western Railway

Project: SWR Defibrillator Rollout to all Staffed Stations

In 2022, The Alex Wardle Foundation became a charity partner of SWR. Since founding the charity in memory of his son Alex, Steve Wardle, who is an operations trainer at SWR has been campaigning both in work and in local communities to have defibrillators installed.

Steve’s son Alex passed away suddenly in 2016 due to Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS).

The British Heart Foundation estimates about 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur every year in the UK, and just one in 10 people survive. Yet access to an automated-external defibrillator within 8 minutes of a cardiac arrest can increase the chances of survival by 80%.

In March of 2023, SWR announced the installation of 154 defibrillators to all staffed stations on the SWR network. This work will have a tangible impact in giving its customers the best chance of surviving if they experience a heart attack - potentially saving someone’s life.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU)

Project: Social Value Programme

The scale of the social value approach on TRU is something it takes pride in. It has created the industry's first Enterprise Sustainability Strategy to direct 14 major companies towards a consistent and impactful Social Value programme to communities within a 25-mile radius of a 70-mile route.

TRU is trailblazing social impact measurement as an early adopter of the Rail Social Value Tool (RSVT).

The RSVT is an innovative approach to monitoring, measuring, and calculating the social value of activities which, alongside stakeholder feedback, informs its future approach. From this it assesses the impact its programmes have on the local quality of life.

In addition, TRU led on the development of an industry wide Social Value Competency Framework as part of the RSSB’s Social Value Working Group and hosted a “Major Project Social Value Collaboration” workshop in partnership with East West Rail, HS2 and Major Projects Association.

From April 2019 to June 2023, TRU has delivered £1.106 billion pounds in Social Value to society, along the TransPennine route.

Transport for Wales

Project: ‘No Second Chances’

As part of the South Wales Metro, Transport for Wales has been installing overhead wires across 170km of track. There is already prevalent trespass on the Valleys railway and with the new electrified lines, it now carries an even greater risk.

TfW needed to develop a behaviour change campaign that aimed to eliminate trespass, but also raised general awareness.

The campaign is based on a fictional clothing brand and is a play on the second-hand clothing market. ‘No Second Chances’ uses items of clothing as a vehicle to communicate the fatal consequences of touching or coming close to 25,000 volts.

The clothing items show the effects of not respecting the railway boundary could have on a person and their clothing. It carries the slogan ‘this is “No Second Chances”, and thankfully, it’s clothing that’s not for sale’.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 17

THE QTS FORWARDER V2 SURVEY WORKS THE QTS MEGAVAC

PIONEERING LEADERS

Delivering high-quality projects through innovative practices and machinery.

RAIL ENGINEERING, INFRASTRUCTURE, ELECTRIFICATION & TRAINING

THE QTS MEGACHIPPER V2

TRAINING EXCELLENCE

EXCELLENCE

EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE 21

Shortlist

AmcoGiffen

Project: The AmcoGiffen COSS Academy

AmcoGiffen recognised the vital role of the Controller of Site Safety (COSS) in setting up and maintaining safe working areas and creating the right environment where reduced risk behaviours exist, site hazards and risks are controlled, work is completed safely, and everyone goes home safe and healthy.

Across the supply chain and industry, it was evident that COSS standards varied significantly, so AmcoGiffen developed the 'COSS Academy Programme' aiming to improve the quality and consistency standards of COSS delivery.

The programme objective is to provide better understanding of COSS roles, duties and responsibilities, and an enhanced knowledge of the rules and standards, such as 019, that are imperative COSS duties.

The programme also includes behavioural science and practical and softer skills to improve competency and communication. It is designed to develop new COSS and to eliminate complacency in experienced COSS personnel.

Frauscher UK Ltd.

Project: Frauscher UK - Customer Training With Frauscher Academy

Having a well-trained workforce is crucial to successful railway operations. Today, more organisations in the industry need highly skilled and knowledgeable technicians and professionals to ensure that their equipment is running safely and efficiently at all times.

This prompted Frauscher to develop a comprehensive training programme that can be customised for its customers and other interested parties.

By training their workforce on safety-critical products, it found that its customers were able to find practical solutions to their operational challenges. They can apply this knowledge to improve safety, while increasing operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction.

Its training curriculum is focused on one objective – to enable its customers to use its cutting-edge equipment independently without requiring external assistance. Through educating them on its technology and innovations, it ensures that they can use its products efficiently and solve possible issues on their own.

TRAINING EXCELLENCE

MPI Limited

Project: MPI Trainee Scheme

The aim of the MPI Trainee scheme is to ensure new skills continuously develop into the industry through training and education.

In 2012, MPI began working with its clients to establish a scheme which not only provides new people with classroom education of the signalling world but exposes them to day-today railway experience.

The trainees initially undertake a 12 week work experience placement and during this time they must demonstrate that they are fully committed to the trainee programme and show a great attitude towards safety.

Once this is complete, they undertake the Basic Signalling 1 and 2 course and SPWEE course, MPI provides manual handling, emergency first aid and small tools courses delivered by its in-house trainer on site.

They then work as a trainee installer for 6-9 months before completing the 6 day EISS Electrical Installation course. During the 6-9 months they also compile evidence in their IRSE Log Book and then when they are ready they go for the relevant IRSE Licence category which MPI also funds.

MTR Elizabeth Line (MTREL)

Project: Opening the Elizabeth Line

Its Learning & Development (L&D) vision is that together it delivers the knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable its people to proudly achieve its purpose. Ensuring they are competent and confident in their current role. Providing opportunities for future development, growth and career progression.

It focuses on three ways of learning. These are: Explore: Learn through courses, Embed: Learn through others, and Experience: Learn through doing.

Its training can be segmented into three core areas: People, Technical, and Wider business support.

In 2023, it achieved the TIDE Gold Award (from ENEI, Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion) for the second year in a row, has been accredited as a Living Wage employer and signed up for Women in Rail silver level corporate membership.

It is leading the industry in apprenticeships, as 60% of its staff have or are undertaking an apprenticeship, and it was the first TOC to secure RoATP ‘employer’ provider’ status. In addition, it has 97% completion rates on its Driver Training Programme.

TRAINING EXCELLENCE

Shortlist

Scotland’s Railway

Project: Customer Service Academies –Putting Passengers First

When the first modern railway launched in 1830, train travel was deemed glamorous and exciting. Fast forward nearly 200 years, and the picture couldn't be more different. In 2021, the Williams-Shapps Review pointed out that "delays, cancellations and poor customer service took their toll", and passenger satisfaction and trust were extremely low across the entire UK.

As the organisation responsible for maintaining Scotland's rail infrastructure, Scotland's Railway recognised that something needs to change, and so last year set out a strategy with a clear, powerful vision: "To nurture a customer-centric culture across Scotland's Railway, ensuring our passengers' wants, needs and expectations are not just heard, but woven into every decision, to ensure we meet and, where possible, exceed expectations and deliver a seamless experience.”

That's why Scotland's Railway launched its Customer Service Academy in May 2022, with the first cohort graduating in January 2023.

TRAINING EXCELLENCE

Meet the Judges

Daisy Chapman-Chamberlain Innovation Manager at East West Rail

Daisy has a passion for transport, accessibility, sustainability and inclusion and is currently Innovation Manager at East West Rail, which will deliver much needed transport connections between Oxford and Cambridge.

Kevin Collins

Head of Portfolio Management at Network Rail

Kevin is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the Network Rail’s regional, Wales & Western, strategy for effective and efficient portfolio management which shows demonstrable improvement in project delivery meeting the corporate objectives for improved safety performance, reduced project timescales and greater efficiency whilst improving passenger outcomes.

Shona Clive

Rail Cluster Manager at Scottish Engineering

Shona is the project lead for the Rail Cluster project and the Forth and Tay offshore cluster for Scottish Engineering. The Rail Cluster project is funded by Scottsh Enterprise and Transport Scotland and connects SMEs in the engineering and manufacturing sectors in Scotland, seeking to diversify into the rail market or grow their existing business in rail.

Martin Tugwell

Martin has more than 20 years experience in stategic transport planning and is now responsible for leading Transport for the North, giving the North a determined voice on transport investment which will improve productivity, drive economic growth and attract inward investment to the region.

SPOTLIGHT RAIL AWARDS JUDGES

CEO of Transport for the North

ACTING AS ACTING AS ACTING AS ACTING AS ACTING AS ACTING AS ACTING AS

ONE TEAM ONE TEAM ONE TEAM ONE TEAM ONE TEAM ONE TEAM ONE TEAM

Monetising the rail network for over 20 years www.kbhgroup.co.uk

IN AS LITTLE AS 15 MINUTES* THE FASTEST WAY FROM HEATHROW CENTRAL TO LONDON PADDINGTON SCAN HERE TO BOOK BOOK TICKETS heathrowexpress.com KIDS 15 AND UNDER TRAVEL FREE * 15 MINUTE JOURNEY TIME FROM HEATHROW TERMINALS 2 AND 3 TO LONDON PADDINGTON. ADDITIONAL 6 MINUTES FROM TERMINAL 5. FREE TRANSFER AVAILABLE TO TERMINAL 4.

Shortlist

Craidd Alliance

Project: South Wales Metro – Core Valley Lines (CVL)

The Alliance has been created primarily to deliver the £1 billion Core Valley Lines Project – a major enhancement of the railway services in Southeast Wales, as part of the South Wales Metro scheme.

By adopting a collaborative approach with all partners, the Alliance has been able to secure the capability and capacity to deliver, identify and adopt best practice from past experiences, integrate multiple works packages to maximise the possible scope delivered within the available budget envelope and incentivise all parties to support the delivery of each party’s work.

Diamond Rail Services and Siemens Mobility

Project: Refurbishment to the Class 350/3 Units for West Midlands Trains

From contract appointment and throughout mobilisation, the two companies have worked collaboratively to deliver a fleet refurbishment.

Diamond Rail Services and Siemens Mobility first began working together in 2017, working on the Class 185 Refurbishment. This saw 51 trains completed in 52 weeks. For this project, Siemens Mobility were delivering the interior refurbishment for TransPennine Express and Diamond Rail Services were the contractor for the Standard and First Class seat refurbishment.

ACTING AS ONE TEAM

GoMedia

Project: Visor – KAD (DLR)

Approved by and developed in conjunction with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), Visor combines proven technologies innovatively and collaboratively to ensure that passengers can receive indepth information about their surroundings as well as timely updates on their journey.

The operator of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD) commissioned GoMedia to demonstrate Visor’s effectiveness as a solution and its ease of deployment through collaboration between numerous stakeholders: KAD, GoMedia, NaviLens, RNIB, TfL, Sight Loss Councils, and AJ Wells.

HS2 Ltd.

Project: HS2 Supply Chain Collaboration Hub

HS2 recognised an opportunity to lead/work collaboratively with all its contractors, taking a strategic/integrated approach to procurement, supply chain, carbon, resourcing, and beyond.

It was agreed to create a Supply Chain Collaboration Hub (SCCH) attended by the 7 Joint Venture Contractors, HS2 Supply Chain Management, and relevant experts in carbon, skills/employment/education and logistics.

The Hub reports to a Collaboration Board and is underpinned by a Terms of Reference, operating under “4 pillars” –Capacity management, market intelligence, collaborative/coordinated procurement, and supplier development.

ACTING AS ONE TEAM

Shortlist

Incremental Solutions Ltd

Project: Embedded Technology

The Embedded Technology project was undertaken by Incremental Solutions on behalf of Network Rail Eastern Region.

The key aim of the project was to present recommendations to streamline and improve the processes undertaken by staff at York ROC specifically focused on locating incidents and the duplication of incident information.

The outcome was to provide Network Rail’s Route Leadership Team with a clear understanding of the root causes of core business challenges and recommend successful and innovative technology/software solutions to satisfy these challenges.

Mott MacDonald

Project: High Speed 2, Phase 2b Parliamentary Programme

MWJV is a Joint Venture between Mott MacDonald and WSP, supporting HS2 by preparing the hybrid Bill (hB) and supporting documents, as the Additional Provisions (APs), and subsequently taking the Bill through the Parliament and achieving Royal Assent.

MWJV works with HS2 as ‘One Team’, with an agile and responsive delivery approach to meet the unpredictable challenges of this highprofile environment.

To overcome challenges in viewing and collaborating on project data when working as One Team, and the size of the project, MWJV deployed two specific tools on the project, namely Moata-Geospatial and Moata-Land-Management.

ACTING AS ONE TEAM

Network Rail

Project: Cambrian Local Railways

The Local Railway concept is a method of bringing track and train together by empowering local teams to work as one so that they can deliver better outcomes for customers and taxpayers.

The Cambrian Local Railway was formed in late April 2023 as a joint team between Network Rail and Transport for Wales. They have worked together as one industry team to make a difference to customers in MidWales by challenging how things are done and working across traditional organisational boundaries to achieve better results.

Their joint objectives were to improve service for customers, create efficiencies, and engage local teams for their ideas and innovation.

Network Rail

Project: Devon & Cornwall Local Railway

The Devon & Cornwall Local Railway was formed in the late Summer 2022 as a joint team between Network Rail and Great Western Railway.

They have worked together as one industry team to make a difference to customers in the South-West by challenging how things are done and working across traditional organisational boundaries to achieve better results.

Their joint objectives were to improve customer service, create efficiencies, and engage local tenants for their ideas and innovation.

ACTING AS ONE TEAM 33

Shortlist

Petards Rail

Project: Addressing Industry-Wide Vegetation Management Issues

Vegetation growth and contamination pose a risk to the safe and seamless operation of a railway. Network Rail and Greater Anglia are tackling this problem by using video recorded on the Greater Anglia trains, using Petards Rail’s eyeTrain technology, to identify which areas are becoming overgrown.

QTS Group

Project: CP6 Scotland Earthworks and Drainage Framework

Over the past four years QTS Group, alongside its key partners COWI, Fairhurst, and MHB, have developed and delivered remedial works for the CP6 Scotland Earthworks and Drainage framework for Network Rail.

Through this, it is ensuring the betterment of a significant number of sites across the Scottish rail network via cost-effective and constructible solutions with close collaboration between all parties and Network Rail.

The aim is to act as one team, to ensure that these sites are future-proofed, whether that be up-sizing drainage at problematic flooding sites or providing resilience to sites at risk of continued debris flows or landslips.

ACTING AS ONE TEAM

Siemens Mobility

Project: Birmingham New Street Resignalling Project

Siemens Mobility and Network Rail have worked together to deliver renewed signalling system and trackside infrastructure to streamline traffic management across the West Midlands.

The work involved installing computer-based safety equipment in the West Midlands Control Centre and connecting it over the railway’s network to trackside equipment throughout and around the station.

It saw 114 new signals, 31 signalling location boxes and a whole new cable management system that consisted of 11 kilometres of troughing cable, 164 hollow sleepers and an Under-Track Crossing (UTX). Also, a major upgrade of the telecoms was seen, including over 25 additional Signal Post Telephone (SPTs) and Points Zone Telephone (PZT).

One of the key objectives for this project was to ensure the operational efficiency of more than 60 contractors and subcontractors while maintaining an excellent working relationship with Network Rail and their partners.

South Western Railway

Project: South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex’s Joint Performance Task Force

The two organisations have come together and created a Joint Performance Task Force.

This joint body is focused on identifying the issues that cause delays and cancellations, finding innovative and practical solutions to mitigate them and giving customers the service they expect.

The Task Force has looked at how services are managed during disruption and how services can be better recovered to reduce the effect on customers including improving the tools its team in the Integrated Control Centre has, improving how it manages train crew when they are displaced during disruption, and changing signalling procedures to reduce delays on congested parts of the network.

ACTING AS ONE TEAM 35

COMMITMENT

COMMITMENT COMMITMENT COMMITMENT 36

COMMITMENT COMMITMENT COMMITMENT

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

COMMITMENT

TO SAFETY

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY COMMITMENT TO SAFETY COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

COMMITMENT 37

Shortlist

Frauscher UK Ltd.

Project: Frauscher UK Rail Safety Day

Frauscher UK, a small team dedicated to selling safety-critical railway products, embarked on a significant initiative in 2023 to enhance railway safety. This consisted of two key events: A global Frauscher Safety Day and a localised event at the Frauscher UK location.

The primary aim of the global Frauscher Safety Day, held on February 16, 2023, was to systematically impart railway signalling and safety knowledge to the broader Frauscher teams worldwide. Frauscher achieved this by inviting distinguished industry experts to deliver engaging technical talks on signalling safety.

Additionally, Frauscher introduced the first-ever global online quiz, which garnered an unprecedented level of participation and enthusiasm. Building upon this global success, the focus shifted to the specific needs of the UK location. Collaborating with Network Rail, they initiated the inaugural Frauscher UK Safety Day.

RSS Infrastructure Ltd. and Tended Ltd.

Project: Transforming Worker Safety Through Geofencing Technology

The aim of the project was to improve behavioural/cognitive decision making as well as building a culture characterised by a shared perception for the importance of safety and confidence in the efficacy of preventive measures.

This was achieved through a strategic partnership with Tended, a leading provider of Geofence Technology, who enable RSS Infrastructure to deliver all services covered within Network Rail’s Trackworker Protection and Warning Systems Standards.

For Network Rail to achieve its mandate of ‘everyone home safe, everyday,’ the sector needs a mechanism from which to mitigate the risks of working in a high-risk environment where human error and complacent behaviour can lead to serious or fatal accidents and ultimately prevent contact with moving plant/ machinery or trains.

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

Siemens Mobility

Project: Birmingham New Street Resignalling Project

Siemens Mobility and Network Rail put safety as a top priority in the successful delivery of the Birmingham New Street resignalling project. The Siemens team committed to getting 'everyone home safe every day', using innovative technology and processes to improve millions of passenger journeys whilst minimising disruption and keeping the people involved in the project safe and secure physically and mentally.

The work involved installing computer-based safety equipment in the West Midlands Control Centre and connecting it over the railway's network to trackside equipment throughout and around the station.

Siemens installed 114 new signals, 31 signalling location boxes and a whole new cable management system that consisted of 11 kilometres of troughing cable, 164 hollow sleepers and an Under-Track Crossing. A project as intricate as this needs safety at the forefront of the minds of all engineers, contractors, and subcontractors.

South Western Railway

Project: Safeguarding on Rail Scheme, White Ribbon Campaign

To ensure safeguarding is not an isolated initiative SWR have devised four overarching strategic objectives that will integrate safeguarding best practice into the organisation.

These are to align the suggested Safeguarding in Rail scheme criteria with the overall safeguarding project to ensure all areas are covered and delivered.

Also to implement a governance framework for safeguarding in the organisation ensuring everyone understands the role they play in protecting vulnerable people.

Thirdly to capture, share and celebrate safeguarding interactions internally and with our stakeholders, ensuring a measure of success is applied.

Finally bring Workforce Safeguarding under the safeguarding umbrella to reduce disruption to the operation, through proactive interventions.

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY 39

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Shortlist

Concrete Canvas Ltd.

Project: CCX-U for Slope Protection

CCX-UTILITY™ (CCX-U™) is part of a revolutionary class of construction materials produced by Concrete Canvas Ltd.

It is a flexible, concrete filled geosynthetic, that hardens on hydration to form a thin, durable, waterproof concrete layer. Essentially, it’s Concrete on a Roll™.

CCX-U™ allows concrete installation without the need for plant or mixing equipment while also reducing vehicle movements and contractor burden. Simply unroll and just add water.

CCX-U™ consists of a top layer of UV stabilised polyester geotextile that is interconnected to a bottom layer of polypropylene geotextile to encapsulate a specially formulated dry concrete mix.

The unique manufacturing process connects the geotextile layers by stitching them together which, when combined with the innovative method of inserting the concrete mix, allows the product to reach high levels of performance. CCX-U™ can be hydrated either by spraying or by being fully immersed in water.

Gramm Barriers

Project: POLYSoundBlok® Noise Barrier

Recognising the potential noise disruption impact of reinstating the mothballed East West Rail Phase Two route to the rural lineside neighbours, including both the construction works and permanent railway service, the East West Rail Alliance (EWRA) carried out an extensive acoustic exercise at the start of the project.

Identifying the need for a noise reduction solution, EWRA developed a specification and design, based on a cost benefit analysis, for an acoustic barrier to be installed alongside the areas most affected.

Gramm Barriers responded to the tender with their innovative and sustainable A5 rated POLYSoundBlok® noise barrier system, manufactured from recycled PVC and absorber from recycled water bottles, helping to divert waste plastic from the ocean.

The lightweight noise absorbing barrier is quicker to install than alternative solutions, highly durable and rot-proof, with a maintenance-free design and operational life of 40-plus years, creating significant safety, efficiency, and sustainability benefits.

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Scott Parnell Ltd.

Project: Reducing Carbon in ConstructionFlexMSE

The planet needs the industry to find new ways of building. Ways which protect the planet, while providing a built environment that supports population and economy.

Scott Parnell is passionate about finding new materials and methods to support the industry in reaching net zero.

FlexMSE is a vegetated retaining wall system, with proven 120 design life. It builds without steel or concrete and planted to provide carbon offset against the project and promote biodiversity and builds 60% quicker than traditional retaining walls.

FlexMSE provided in the last 12 months has given an estimated GHG reduction vs. Segmental Concrete of 1,839,760kg.

This is equivalent to: 384 passenger vehicle emissions, 253 households’ annual electricity usage, 47,173 tree seedlings would be needed to capture the same amount of carbon, and 1,508 acres of mature forest would be needed to capture the same amount of carbon.

Zebraware

Project: Lineardraft

Lineardraft is a revolutionary piece of design software for OLE, that empowers expert engineers to work smarter, not harder.

The core principle of Lineardraft is simple: use intuitive design tools and automation to significantly reduce cost and increase capacity, all whilst maintaining capability and assurance.

Lineardraft is not supposed to be a replacement for designers or engineers, but a tool that enables them to design more efficiently, make them more adaptable to change, and allows them to focus on the critical, and not the simple.

Lineardraft was created with designers and engineers in mind. Every feature they add, every improvement they make, and every design catalogue they develop, is done so with the utmost care and to the highest standards, to best serve the industry.

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR

CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

Shortlist

PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

Meet the Judges

David Sidebottom Director at Transport Focus

David is responsible for Transport Focus’s work for transport users across Northern England, Wales and Scotland. Speaking to transport users and non-transport users across the region to gain insight, this information gets formulated to influence decision makers to ensure users get the best deal.

Kelly Warburton

Chief Commercial Officer at GCRE

Kelly is Chief Commerical Officer at the Global Centre of Rail Excellence, leading the commercial strategy for GCRE Ltd as it constructs a new £400 million rail innovation, testing and certification facility in South Wales.

Tim Bowles

Former Mayor of the West of England

Tim was elected as the first Mayor of the West of England in 2017 with responsibility major transport infrastructure across the Bristol and Bath region. During his time in office Tim supported the Williams Review, launched the delivery of the region’s ambitious new suburban rail network, MetroWest, and a new regional mass rapid transit network.

Catherine Hall

Head of Strategic Planning (Scotland) at Network Rail

Catherine is Head of Strategic Planning for Network Rail in Scotland, which owns, operates and maintains Scotland’s railway infrastructure. In this role, she leads the whole system strategic output with the aim of safely delivering “Net zero, Net cost”.

Gemma Southgate

Customer First Manager at Transport for Wales

Gemma has been a member of the Women in Rail Wales committee since early 2019 and is committed to empowering women within the workplace and tackling unconscious bias. Gemma is a member of the TSSA Trade Union Executive Committee and is currently campaigning about period dignity and allyship in the workplace.

SPOTLIGHT RAIL AWARDS JUDGES 47

INNOVATIVE ROLLING

ROLLING STOCK

ROLLING STOCK ROLLING STOCK

ROLLING STOCK

Shortlist

Angel Trains Ltd

Project: Western Route LiDAR Capture & Use Cases

In a cross industry partnership with Network Rail, Great Western Railway and SNC Lavalin Atkins; Cordel and Angel Trains have installed three complete sets of Cordel's automated LiDAR, Video and Location systems onto Class 165 trains operated by GWR on the Western Route centered around Reading.

As GWR operate the trains in normal passenger service, the innovative 'no touch' Cordel technology captures and transmits survey grade LiDAR point clouds, high resolution video, and precise location information.

The LiDAR, imagery and position sensors and systems on the trains map the world around them, providing a true survey grade digital network model every time the train passes. The data is then fed into Cordel's data automation and processing cloud platform, which uses AI to build real world engineering outputs to deliver across eight difference use cases.

These are: Digital Twin, Structure Gauging, Platform Gauging, Six-foot Clearances, Capital Surveys rail strings and LiDAR classification, Ballast profiling, Vegetation, and Overhead Line Electrification (OLE) measurements such as Height and Stagger.

Chiltern Railways

Project: Implementation of HVO Fuel on Class 68 Locomotives

Chiltern Railways has become the first train operator to use hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in passenger service in the UK.

By using HVO in its fleet of Class 68 diesel locomotives, Chiltern's industryleading transition is expected to result in a significant reduction in harmful exhaust emissions, including up to a 90% reduction in particulates.

With this project, Chiltern wished to achieve the following objectives: To directly reduce emissions from Class 68 locomotives, to demonstrate that alternative fuels can be used with other diesel fleet, and to establish dualfuelling capability at Stourbridge Depot.

Achieving all these objectives would help Chiltern deliver on its key strategic business priority: 'To modernise and decarbonise its operations through the Right Route 2030 Vision'.

When in passenger service, the five HVOfuelled Class 68 locomotives each haul six Mark III coaches, providing seating for more than 300 customers. They operate on services between London and the West Midlands, with four locomotives in use each day.

INNOVATIVE ROLLING STOCK

Heathrow Express

Project: Self Service Ticket Machines

In March 2022, Heathrow Express launched a new booking tool, which enables customers to purchase a train ticket for multiple locations. Since March, it has rolled out a further four machines and continue to identify even more locations.

The plan was to make it easier for customers to purchase tickets to use its service. This saves them time as they don't need to queue at the ticket office, which allows them to reach their destination quicker. It worked with its colleagues and customers to identify the most useful locations.

Ticket machines can be found in arrival and baggage halls. The services machines are different to others as they will soon be found in hotels, located in the Heathrow and Paddington area. It offers passengers a physical ticket and payment can be made via card; apple pay and android.

Following positive customer feedback and to support its business growth, it plans to roll out more machines in 2024.

Heathrow Express has seen a sharp increase of leisure passengers using its service, while continuing to appeal to its loyal business customers.

INNOVATIVE ROLLING STOCK 51

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY

Shortlist

Angel Trains Ltd

Project: Western Route LiDAR Capture & Use Cases

In a cross industry partnership with Network Rail, Great Western Railway and SNC Lavalin Atkins, Cordel and Angel Trains have installed 3 complete sets of Cordel's automated LiDAR, Video and Location systems onto Class 165 trains operated by GWR on the Western Route centered around Reading.

AtkinsRéalis

Project: National European Train Control Systems (ETCS) Test Laboratory

To ensure that interoperable, consistent and compliant solutions are deployed across the UK, Network Rail partnered with AtkinsRéalis to develop the first and only UK independent National ETCS Test Laboratory (NET-Lab) to support product acceptance, systems integration and cyber security testing.

Utilising its Technical Investigation Centre (TIC), recognised for excellence in independent forensic testing and expertise in investigating safety-critical signalling equipment failures, AtkinsRéalis led the NET-Lab development.

Net-Lab integrates real ETCS equipment allowing whichever OEM product or solution is under test to communicate as it would with other ETCS entities. It supports the identification of, and overcomes, potential onboard and trackside compatibility issues.

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY

GoMedia

Project: Visor – DLR Trial of Accessibility Solution Using GoMedia's Journey Information Technology

Over 2 million people in the UK are living with sight loss, with two thirds of this group struggling to make their public transport journeys independently.

Approved by and developed in conjunction with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), Visor is combining proven technologies in an innovative and collaborative manner to ensure that passengers can receive in-depth information about their surroundings as well as timely updates on their journey.

Operator of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD) commissioned GoMedia to demonstrate Visor’s effectiveness as a solution and its ease of deployment through collaboration between numerous stakeholders: KAD, GoMedia, NaviLens, RNIB, TfL, Sight Loss Councils, and AJ Wells.

Incremental Solutions Ltd.

Project: RAPPORT

The objective of RAPPORT (Real-time Accelerated Position and Protection of Rail Transport) is to provide a powerful digital incident management tool to TOCs and Network Rail.

The intention is to improve safety and resilience of the rail network as well as providing significant cost savings to industry bodies through the reduction of incident delay minutes.

The underlying concept of knowing the exact location, direction of travel and speed of a train through the integration of on train GPS and data streams, such as Google Maps, WhatThreeWords and Network infrastructure information, RAPPORT provides a train location dashboard. With over 600 passenger trains already integrated into the system, RAPPORT is the best-in-class digital solution for detailed insight into rail incidents.

As an example, if a train applies emergency brakes, the RAPPORT system will automatically detect this through smart algorithms monitoring the braking curves of all trains in real-time and can determine the exact location the brake was applied and the subsequent stopping location of the train.

CATEGORY SPONSOR

Shortlist

MTR Elizabeth Line (MTREL)

Project: CDMT - Crew Management Displacement Tool

The introduction of the Crew Displacement Management Tool is a first for the rail industry and has changed how MTREL’s control room works, from the previous use of manual updates, like managing multiple paper resources, and spreadsheet information, to a fully digital system.

Going from concept to working tool in under eight months, the fully digital system takes in real time data from trains, including unit number and location as well as the driver's name, then maps this with the driver's phone number, sign on and off location and PNB information to help controllers make informed decisions based on live data, throughout normal operations, as well as during disruptions.

MTREL has already seen an improvement in reactionary delays, and the number of trains awaiting drivers. When disruptions occur, MTREL have been able to understand when there is a crew impact and mitigate that, leaving trains standing for less.

QTS Group Ltd.

Project: Perth North Drainage

The Perth North Drainage project required a detailed assessment and survey of the condition/functionality of the existing drainage systems outfall chamber.

The chamber is situated on a live railway line and is a Scottish Water asset in which the track drainage system discharges. The designers required a full 3D model to assess the structural interrogatory/functionality of the outfall chamber.

QTS made the decision to gather the data using photogrammetry using an iPhone with built in LiDAR, mounted to a ring light, utilising the Pix4D Catch app to capture the data.

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY

West Midlands Trains

Project: LED Lighting

West Midlands Train’s LED Station Lighting Project was a project to replace the lighting in all 150 of their stations involving the replacement of over 12,000 old, inefficient incandescent lights which the government has prohibited the manufacture and import of from August 2023.

Rather than replacing the lights with cheap LED luminaries West Midlands Trains sought to unlock much greater benefits and achieve the following objectives: Provide consistency of lighting at WMT stations, achieve compliant lighting levels to the latest standards, achieve our philosophy of lighting, reduce energy consumption, reduce lighting maintenance costs and more.

As a direct result of the project, it has achieved compliant lighting levels at all its stations which has often meant increasing lighting levels by 500% to meet standards. Despite this, the 'smart' lighting has still offered a reduction of nearly 50% in light energy usage and carbon savings of over 65%.

Zebraware Limited

Project: Lineardraft

Lineardraft is a revolutionary piece of design software for Overhead Line Electrification, that empowers expert engineers to work smarter, not harder.

The core principle of Lineardraft is simple: use intuitive design tools and automation to significantly reduce cost and increase capacity, all whilst maintaining capability and assurance.

Used as part of the rail electrification design process, Lineardraft makes it easier to design overhead line electrification systems than ever before.

CATEGORY SPONSOR

DIVERSITY,

EQUITY

DIVERSITY, EQUITY

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

EQUITY

AND INCLUSION

EQUITY AND

INCLUSION

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Shortlist

Heathrow Express

Project: Celebrating Heathrow Express’s Incredible Team for Diversity and Inclusion Excellence

The PR team at Heathrow Express are on a mission to create a workplace and an experience that's inclusive for everyone. From colleagues to passengers, they're all about making sure everyone feels valued, respected, and safe.

One campaign is its Pride Ride PR campaign. One moment from the campaign saw two teams of drag queens racing from Heathrow Airport to London Paddington. It wasn't just a race; it was a powerful statement of unity and acceptance.

Another campaign was the Party on the Float, which saw the team show up at London Pride with a decorated float and over 60 team members. Their presence wasn't just about showing support; it was a testament to their dedication to making the world a more inclusive place.

The team at Heathrow Express are all about creating an environment where everyone can be themselves without worry. Whether you're a colleague or a passenger, you're part of the Heathrow Express family.

Skills 4 Limited

Project: THRIVE Career Development Programme

THRIVE is Skills 4 Limited’s Positive Action Career Development Programme to ensure minority groups realise their true potential and is designed to level the playing field to enable diverse talent to thrive.

THRIVE builds on EMPOWER, drawing on its industry experienced Mentor's experiences and working to create inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces where everyone can bring their true selves to work.

What sets THRIVE apart is the option of kickstarting the programme with an additional day: Inclusion Allies (Module 1). Inviting THRIVE delegates and those who want to be allies to learn how to foster a more inclusive culture, and tools and techniques to be an effective ally.

The remaining three modules cover confident communication, the importance of authenticity and then focussing on the future, specifically asking ‘if you could do anything, or be anything in your career, what could you do?’

A key part of the THRIVE programme is the Moving the Dial Survey. Research shows that the more diverse leadership and teams are, the more inclusive a culture becomes, and innovation increases.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

South Western Railway

Project: South Western Railway’s Reverse Mentoring Programme

In December 2022, SWR launched a reverse mentoring programme with members of its Executive Team and colleagues from its staff network groups.

It currently has five network groups: Inspire (Gender Equality), ABLE (Disability), REACH (Religion, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage), PRIDE (LGBTQ+) and MIND (Mental Health). It reached out to all colleagues from these networks to ask them to get involved.

Within its Strategy, one of the pillars of inclusion is EMPOWER and it felt that this programme would enable it to demonstrate this by involving under-represented colleagues, giving them a voice and opportunity to share their views and make positive change.

It worked closely with Inclusive Employers (IE) to roll out a thorough application process and training sessions.

Whilst IE runs standard Reverse Mentoring training, SWR worked with them beforehand to outline what it specifically wanted by involving people from its network groups with diverse characteristics.

West Midlands Trains

Project: Embracing the Principles of FREDIE

West Midlands Trains embraces the principles of FREDIE: Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement.

The company’s overriding ambition has been to exceed the expectations of customers, colleagues and communities. Great strides have been taken in these areas through innovation and an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) plan – with structured measures implemented.

As well as promoting FREDIE during induction stages, West Midlands Trains has adopted ten initiatives which forms its EDI plan. These are Accessibility Matters & Training, Culture, Strategy, Wellbeing, Performance Management, Effective Comms, Recruitment, Reward, Recognition & Retention, and Effective Operational & Line Management.

Community rail projects have been integral to creating social value and engaging first-hand with society. There has been a £1 million investment into 21 rail projects involving stations in the West Midlands Railway.

The network has seen 235 registered volunteer station adopters with West Midlands Railway. Moreover, there have been 64 stations with community activity across the West Midlands.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

YOUNG RAIL PROFESSIONAL

PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL

Shortlist

AECOM

Mithun Nair

Mithun is a valuable member of AECOM’s Rail Electrification and Power (E&P) team in London. He joined AECOM’s Engineering Graduate scheme in 2020, and is already a well versed and competent designer.

Over the last 12 months he has been assigned as a lead designer on the South Rail System Alliance (SRSA), producing and independently checking the detailed design of signalling power, points heating, and lighting systems across multiple Network Rail (NR) regions.

He is involved in critical interfaces with other railway disciplines including Track, Civils, Traction Power and Signalling, producing detailed CAD drawings, calculations, and reports for the design proposals, as well as ensuring the deliverables comply with railway standards & procedures (NR & BS-EN-ISO).

Mithun has successfully issued five E&P designs over the past year and his proudest achievement was leading the E&P design for a major renewal at Lewisham which involved 1000m of new track with 81 panels and 8 Switches.

Mithun also provides strong support to junior engineers, graduates and apprentices across the business helping to develop their own knowledge and skills whilst making meaningful contributions to each project.

Angel Trains

Aamina Shah

Aamina Shah is the epitome of the perfect graduate professional rail engineer, with intelligence, determination, diplomacy and now proven delivery of projects, business benefits and change to her credit.

Engaging with, and enthusing, all levels of Angel Trains stakeholder relationships. She is not only a diligent and enthusiastic engineer, but is also passionate about sustainability, social responsibility, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.

All demonstrated in action, with active roles in the IMechE, STEM and Women In Rail organisations. Aamina has received numerous plaudits, even with only 2 years employment in rail following graduation, also achieving this from the challenging start of joining as a graduate engineer during full Covid-19 lockdown.

When resource constraints were forced upon the Fleet Engineering team, Aamina took the reigns as a DMU Fleet Engineer for 3 months. This included working with customers and suppliers to unlock several complicated engineering change agreements, which without Aamina’s engineering understanding, explanation and thorough documentation, would have been left unsigned.

YOUNG RAIL PROFESSIONAL

AtkinsRéalis

Aishah Latif

From the moment Aishah Latif saw the iconic Burj Al Arab at the age of 12, she was mesmerised by the architecture and made it her mission to find out how it was constructed, sparking her passion for engineering.

Within six months of graduating an opportunity arose to work on HS2. Embracing the opportunity, Aishah relocated to Birmingham and engaged in BIM modelling, whilst working with Balfour Beatty Vinci.

During her time at HS2, Aishah became interested in rail. Establishing a reputation for her engineering passion and technical ability, Aishah was scouted and joined AtkinsRéalis in March 2022.

Joining the ancillary civils team, Aishah completed her Personal Track Safety (PTS) qualification and supported high-profile projects as a designer for Midland Mainline and Central Rail Systems Alliance.

Responsible for reviewing documentation and carrying out risk assessments, Aishah used her technical knowledge to compare designs with Network Rail guidance and make critical engineering judgement decisions.

Avanti West Coast

Dominic Todd

Dominic Todd, with less than a decade of experience in the rail industry, has demonstrated unwavering dedication, innovation, and leadership within the organisation and the broader rail industry.

His contributions have been instrumental in improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability in Avanti West Coast’s operations. Dominic Todd's innovative solutions and tireless work ethic have significantly impacted its engineering projects, leading to tangible benefits to Avanti West Coast.

Dominic has completed an engineering graduate scheme, completed further experience within a railway engineering consultancy before moving into a train operator responsible for engineering projects. He achieved Chartered Status with the IMechE in 2020.

This experience before joining the team has given Dominic a very broad and valuable experience, complemented by his excellent attitude and ambition which has allowed an accelerated career path into an Engineering Manager position at Avanti West Coast.

His expertise in rolling stock engineering and strong leadership qualities has ensured that the innovative PANDAS trial was initiated on the Pendolino Fleet.

CATEGORY SPONSOR 65

Shortlist

BTTC

Tom Jerrard

Tom graduated in 2017 with a 1st Class award in Quantity Surveying and began his career in rail upon leaving University. Tom is a Senior Consultant at BTTC, being promoted in April 2023, after joining the company in June 2022 as a Consultant.

He provides a fully dedicated service to its clients and has also seen an opportunity within BTTC to grow the business by independently leading on the development of a Graduate Programme. This is a project which he developed and launched within a 6-month period and something which is now in operation at BTTC.

Tom’s most recent experience has been delivering a range of renewal and enhancements schemes for Network Rail Southern, where he has commercially managed projects through all lifecycle stages. He was quickly promoted within that commission and now manages a team of 7 staff.

Independently, he reached out to City, University of London to provide work placement opportunities and to promote the rail industry as an excellent career option for prospective graduates.

First Rail Holdings

Aaron Howard

Aaron joined the rail industry and the First Rail Consultancy team in 2020 after graduating from the University of Southampton with a BSc in Mathematics.

Since then, Aaron has progressed at a level beyond what would be expected at this early stage in his career. Within two years, he has been promoted from Data Insights Analyst to Consultant Analyst.

Aaron’s passion for his role and the industry comes across in the way that he engages with colleagues, showing genuine interest in the work his colleagues across the business are undertaking. He is inquisitive and wants to experience all aspects of the industry. For example, he has requested to go on tours of Control Rooms and Depots across FirstGroup to enhance his understanding of the industry.

Aaron proactively assists and coaches junior team members with the tools required to do their jobs, including Excel and industry specific tools such as MOIRA and LENNON. He takes part in the team’s training forum, contributes to onboarding activities and displays enthusiasm for social events.

YOUNG RAIL PROFESSIONAL

First Rail Holdings

Emily Yolland

Emily recently joined the rail industry after specifically seeking a career change from publishing to rail.

In March 2022, Emily joined the First Rail Consultancy team as a Project Coordinator and the impression she has made on the business in just 18 months has been beyond expectations. Within a year, Emily passed the APM Project Fundamental Qualification and was promoted to Assistant Project Manager, a role she thrives in.

Emily displays passion and enthusiasm for both her role and the industry. She takes the initiative to upskill herself in project management and constantly seeks opportunities to learn from colleagues across the business, as well as with peers across the industry as a member of the Young Rail Professionals network.

Emily's passion also extends to making the Consultancy Team a friendly and inclusive environment. She is an active member of the wider team and never one to gatekeep, she always shares any useful information – whether that's wellbeing in rail initiatives, online seminars or networking events that she thinks will be beneficial for her colleagues.

First Rail Holdings

Euan McPherson

Euan joined the rail industry and the First Rail Consultancy team in 2021 after completing an LLB degree from the University of Edinburgh and an MA United States: History and Politics from the University College London.

Since then, he has been promoted twice. First from Writer to Consultant Writer, and recently to Senior Consultant Writer. His most recent promotion has seen him take on line management responsibilities. Euan has a mature approach to his work beyond what is expected at this early stage of his career.

Euan’s first project was the Driver Training Academy – a piece of work advising the Department for Transport and Rail Delivery Group on train driver recruitment. As well as leading on the writing, Euan also project managed this assignment, with colleagues saying that his ability to manage timelines and allocations seemed almost innate.

Euan is an expert at taking complex subjects and turning them into documents that are enjoyable to read. When a document is going through the feedback process, he is adept at responding to the opinions of subject matter experts.

CATEGORY SPONSOR 67

Shortlist

GoMedia

Sven Koster

Sven began working in the UK and global public transport industries across multiple transport modes in 2016. His ambition, drive, and desire to be challenged have propelled him to a prominent role in GoMedia’s organisation and to the forefront of many cross-industry projects.

In his role as Head of New Business Development and Innovation, Sven explores opportunities for transport authorities and operators to enhance the journeys of their customers.

Sven embodies GoMedia’s spirit of social entrepreneurship, evidenced by his recent efforts to make public transport environments more accessible for everyone.

In the UK, more than 60% of users with accessibility needs struggle to make independent journeys on public transport.

Alongside major infrastructural changes, digital technologies using personal smart devices will provide more immediate and cost-effective wins through personalised, at-hand support, reducing the barriers to use for visual and hearing-impaired customers, and an aging population.

MTR Elizabeth line (MTREL)

Scott McCloud

Scott McCloud has spent 2.5 years, working incredibly hard, and being exceptionally effective, as an outstanding Communications & Stakeholder Manager for MTREL, before transitioning to expand his operational knowledge as Head of Customer Information in October 2023.

During Scott’s time as Communications & Stakeholder Manager, MTR Elizabeth line had its most challenging two years, with the delivery of the Staged Opening Programme and launch of the Elizabeth line.

In December 2021, Scott won MTREL’s internal annual Celebrating You Award, for Emerging Talent, for his dedication and successfully delivering above and beyond the requirements of his already extensive role; and in 2022, Scott was a finalist in the Rail Staff Awards’ Best Newcomer category.

Alongside a range of day-to-day media, stakeholder and communications deliverables, Scott has been instrumental in the design and delivery of a complex suite of events in the last 18 months, particularly centred around the Elizabeth line launch (known as Stage 3), and opening of the through running service.

YOUNG RAIL PROFESSIONAL

South Western Railway

Bryce Hunt

Bryce has made a significant impact in the rail industry through various projects. Their passion, leadership, and dedication have left a permanent mark on the industry and its stakeholders.

Notable contributions include the launch of a Pride-themed train (unit 444019) in 2017, and delivering a refresh in 2023 to incorporate an industry first inclusive intersex company brandmark to promote diversity and inclusion; leading a station transformation project; enhancing security in Weymouth; and educating the community through the local Scouts.

While the Dorset Scouts Try the Train Initiative aims to educate the local community, especially young scouts, on railway safety, and facilitate safe and educational experiences for community groups using the railway network.

CATEGORY SPONSOR 69

Shortlist

South Western Railway

Charlie Hatcher

Charlie Hatcher (Head of Train Presentation) was asked to develop an industry reaching collaboration forum to engage respective Train Presentation leads throughout the industry where best practice, innovation and other initiatives can be shared.

This was an industry first, so Charlie had to plan the sessions from scratch. He wrote a covering email explaining the terms of reference, intentions, aims and objectives of the proposed session and wrote to each person responsible for train presentation activities across the network. He organised the first meeting to take place at SWR, wrote a meeting structure and prepared the agenda.

Following overwhelming positive feedback from the first session, follow up sessions were organised at other operators’ locations, with four sessions having now taken place.

The number of operators joining the forums has increased since it was first launched. This is an industry first, and Charlie's commitment to making it a success is credit to its delivery and continuation.

SYSTRA

Lucy Davison

Lucy joined the business as an Assistant Track Technician in 2014 whist simultaneously undertaking her Degree Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering.

At each juncture Lucy has grabbed every opportunity with both hands always achieving the best and inspiring those around her in the process.

Lucy is a passionate advocate of rail and her enthusiasm for creating a sustainable future with rail at its heart has been rewarded with prestigious awards and appointments, including her appointment as a Future Leader by the President of the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE).

She regularly participates in Women in Transport and Women in Rail events. Lucy has participated in several engineering and rail themed All Party Parliamentary Group (APPGs) meetings at the House of Lords to share ideas and best practice.

Lucy established an Education Awareness Scheme in 2014, and has visited over 30 schools and colleges to encourage young people to consider an apprenticeship in the rail industry, and to share her work experiences through presentations and workshops.

YOUNG RAIL PROFESSIONAL

CATEGORY SPONSOR 71

PLANT EXCELLENCE

EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE

EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE 73

Shortlist

Aquarius Railroad Technologies Ltd

Project: Aquarius Sand R2R 4x4

Aquarius Rail has developed a solution called the 'Sand Road2Rail (R2R) 4x4', which is a specially adapted Road Rail Vehicle (RRV) based on a Land Rover. The vehicle is ideal for use on branch lines that have a high volume of leaf fall.

Aquarius Sand R2R 4x4s have now been added to the Aquarius hire fleet of vehicles, providing rail operators with another tool to combat 'leaves on the line'.

In 2022, the Sand R2R 4x4 vehicles were hired by Network Rail Operations teams all over Britain, including Devon, Somerset, Yorkshire, Anglia, Buckinghamshire, and the West Highlands, and worked from September through to the end of December. Each route has its specific treatment requirements.

Overall, Aquarius Rail's work for Network Rail is focused on improving the reliability, safety, and efficiency of train services by addressing the issue of leaves on the railway tracks.

The innovative approach, including the use of the Sand R2R 4x4 has demonstrated significant reductions in delays, enhanced safety and contributes to a smoother railway operation during this challenging season.

SPL Powerlines

Project: Plant Excellence

Over the last six years SPL Powerlines’ Plant Department has grown significantly with large investments in plant, equipment and staff.

This now gives it the infrastructure to allow the company to deliver on its own projects reducing the amount of hired in equipment that is required.

SPL Powerlines has an impeccable track record in maintaining on-track plant reliability, and in June 2023, it was recognised in Network Rail’s ‘Route to Gold’ scheme for its ongoing plant enhancement agenda.

As part of its pursuit of excellence it consistently invests in the upgrade of its fleet. Its total capital expenditure on plant equipment for the period Jun-22 to Jun-23 was £4.5 million.

One of SPL Powerlines’ unique factors is that it has its own training department, that ensures it delivers high standards of rail competence to the NSAR and Sentinel standards.

It also makes sure it always has availability and can maintain the standards of work that deliver the highest levels of service in the rail industry.

PLANT EXCELLENCE

WM Plant Hire Ltd

Project: Collaborative, Solution Focused Specialist Plant Supply

With more than 50 excavators, WM Plant Hire’s wide-ranging fleet includes both long reach 4-110 tonnes and heavy-duty spider excavators with independent legs capable of navigating uneven terrain, climbing over barriers, working in water and on steep slopes up to 40 degrees.

WM Plant Hire’s aim is to be solution focused providing a “collaborative, innovative, value adding relationship,” to its clients in line with Network Rail stipulations so that they can deliver projects more efficiently and safely while also helping them work toward net zero targets.

Supplying to both Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors across a range of Network Rail projects, the company has supported maintenance and reactive operations, primarily in the geotechnical sector assisting with slope stabilisation but also supporting scour protection, drainage operations, vegetation management and viaduct repairs.

WM Plant Hire’s excellence in this area is demonstrated not only in collaborative planning with clients for delivery of challenging schemes, but also in how it plans future investments in its fleet.

PLANT EXCELLENCE 75

OPERATOR OF OPERATOR OF OPERATOR OF OPERATOR OF OPERATOR OF OPERATOR OF OPERATOR OF

OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR

Shortlist

Greater Anglia

Project: Customer Focused Delivery

Greater Anglia has delivered an excellent customer-focused service over the past year, maintaining historically high and industryleading levels of performance - with annual punctuality at 94.4%; very good cleanliness, and significant achievements across all aspects of its service.

Customers are benefitting from the complete transformation of train services in East Anglia. All services have been operated by new trains since 4 April 2023, providing significantly more seating capacity (at least 20% on most trains, but as much as 80% on some services), more comfortable seats, plug points, USP points, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, much improved accessibility and more cycle storage places, than on the trains they replaced.

ORR figures for April to June 2023 showed it as the operator with the best on time results and the lowest cancellations. For the 4-week period to mid-October 2023, Greater Anglia was the best UK operator for all key measures (on time, time to 3, time to 15, PPM and cancellations).

Wider sustainability and environmental progress saw a 3rd successive reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions (by 17%, after 2 years of 11% falls).

MTR Elizabeth line (MTREL)

Project: Opening the Elizabeth Line

MTREL was awarded the Elizabeth line concession by Transport for London (TfL) in July 2014, and continue to work closely with TfL and other industry partners to deliver the Elizabeth line for millions of people every week.

Its Customer Experience Business Plan ensures an integrated and interlinked set of core customer experience programmes that have delivered the best in industry –and sector – customer experience and satisfaction scores.

Its vision is to provide an excellent ‘one-team’ customer experience at key interchange points across the Elizabeth line.

The Elizabeth line is rated as the UK's most punctual railway, thanks to many innovative approaches e.g. its industry-first Crew Displacement Management Tool (CDMT) has fundamentally changed how the control room works.

The fully digital system gives the Control Room real time data from trains, which means its customers have seen it resolve disruption in far less time. Its VR Driver Training has improved operational safety, reduced operational risk, and enhanced performance.

OPERATOR OF THE YEAR

South Western Railway

Project: Operator of the Year

Despite significant challenges over the last year, South Western Railway has improved its offering for customers and colleagues.

It is focusing on delivering the following objectives: Ensuring Safe & Reliable Operations, Delivering Great Customer Journeys, Creating A Great Place To Work, Becoming A Sustainable And Community Focused Railway, and Delivering A Better Future.

To help the whole business understand its strategy, in the past year, SWR designed and embedded an updated purpose, vision, mission and behaviours. They help all colleagues to recognise that SWR does more than simply transport people from one place to another; it brings social, economic and community value to people across the South West.

SWR takes a pioneering approach to sourcing and embedding innovation across its business. It runs a bespoke ‘Track’a’thon’ industry event that brings colleagues from a wide variety of roles across the business to design solutions to business challenges.

West Midlands Trains

Project: Commonwealth Games 2022

In July and August 2022, Birmingham played host to the Commonwealth Games with 1.5 million spectators attending events across more than a dozen venues, with five million people visiting Birmingham city centre during the 11 days of competition.

WMT is the main operator of rail services within the region, and it felt a huge responsibility to deliver a fantastic event and showcase the region for its customers and stakeholders.

Its role was to plan and operate an effective rail delivery service as part of the wider Games transport plan. With so many visitors descending on the city, the event required a mammoth operational effort from every department within WMT, as well as the support of other TOCs and Network Rail.

The redevelopment of Perry Barr station in time for the Games was a cornerstone of the rail service delivery for the event as the previous facility was in dire need of modernisation. As the station operator, it agreed to temporarily cease train services at the station between 2021 and 2022, to aid the delivery of the £30.9m rebuild in time for the Games.

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DELIVERING FOR

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Shortlist

Avanti West Coast

Project: Superfare

Superfare aims to give customers a fixed affordable price for trains that have spare capacity; so not only meets the need of delivering for customers, but also to fill capacity on services that have headroom and drive incremental revenue for the business and industry.

As of the 26 June 2023, Superfare had driven £93,870 in revenue to Avanti West Coast, which was 1% ahead of the budget. 5,000 tickets had been sold, the majority of these for the London to Manchester (2,315) and London to Liverpool (1,545) flows that have seen the most popularity.

This project has benefited Avanti West Coast customers by creating a new ticket that offered flexibility and affordability, especially to a younger audience.

Based on post-travel surveys done in June 2023, results showed that 63% of Superfare bookings are made by customers who would not have travelled or would have travelled with a different method, highlighting the modal shift benefit the product provided.

Diamond Rail Services and Siemens Mobility

Project: Refurbishment to the Class 350/3 Units for West Midlands Trains

From contract appointment and throughout mobilisation, the two companies have worked collaboratively to deliver a fleet refurbishment.

Diamond then went on to supply seat refurbishment for Siemens Mobility’s Class 350/1 and 350/4 fleet refurbishment in 2019/2020. In 2023, West Midlands trains required their 350/3 fleet to be refurbished and Diamond Rail Services were selected by Siemens Mobility to support.

Their collaborative solutions have streamlined processes and therefore enhanced efficiency, resulting in cost savings and improved project outcomes.

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GoMedia

Project: Visor – Accessibility Solution Trial with KeolisAmey Docklands (DLR)

The joint effort saw Visor deployed at key stations throughout the DLR network by combining KAD’s organisation and staff assistance at stations, NaviLens’ wayfinding technology, GoMedia’s live, cloud-based passenger information system and project management, RNIB and Sight Loss Councils’ support, advice, and testing from the perspective of users with vision loss, Transport for London’s robust logistical resources and planning capabilities, and AJ Wells, who printed and installed the codes around the stations.

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Shortlist

MTR Elizabeth Line (MTREL)

Project: Customer Experience Business Plan

Its Customer Experience Business Plan ensures an integrated and interlinked set of core customer experience programmes that have delivered the best in industry – and sector – customer experience and satisfaction scores.

Its vision is to provide an excellent ‘one-team’ customer experience at key interchange points across the Elizabeth line.

A core CE initiative is its new ICON training – Be more than a colleague, be an Icon. Developed in conjunction with Customer First, it ensures its customer-facing team provides the best quality customer service that sees the ‘soft product’ match the excellence of the ‘hard product’.

South Western Railway

Project: SWR iQR Dashboard

Using the SWR iQR Dashboard (powered by Whoosh), with just a scan of a QR code, customers can instantly access live information relevant to their specific location or journey.

The dashboard includes first of its kind features including, ‘Talk to Us’, contextualised reporting and the Wimbledon Championships module for multimodal event onward journey information.

SWR is currently trialling an award-winning digital service on board a select number of trains and stations. This initiative was sparked by a winning idea presented by a team of SWR colleagues at an internal innovation event, ‘Track’a’thon’.

The winning team came up with the idea of installing QR codes onboard its services: ‘iQR – Information, Question, Report’. These codes would allow customers to connect to information relevant to their journey and to send contextualised reports directly to SWR for issues such as on-board faults.

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West Midlands Trains

Project: Accessibility Schemes

Inaccessibility has been a relevant problem throughout the public transport industries, however, West Midlands Trains have proven its commitment to tackle this issue through its Accessibility Schemes.

In a statement issued to WMT by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) stated that ‘over half of people with sight loss find it difficult to navigate public transport facilities’. Such realities have compelled it to breakthrough these barriers through strategically implemented small-scale targeted changes.

Its goal is to provide a seamless and comfortable experience through non-invasive procedures, minimising inconvenience for all passengers and preserving their pre-existing knowledge of the stations with marginal yet effective alterations to the overall layout.

Continued collaborations with its Stakeholder Equality Group (SEG) panel - an expert board comprised of representatives from various impairment organisations allowed MWT to create such impactful, long-term alterations.

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Shortlist

7N Architects

Project: Hub station – a Blueprint for Sustainable, Community Focused Transport Hub

Hub Station is the blueprint for a new generation of environmentally sustainable, community focused transport hubs.

Design guidance and standard designs define an adaptable kit of parts to transform stations across Britain and equip them for a net zero future.

This kit of parts comprises a simple, adaptable, and scalable catalogue of standardised elements that can be tailored to the context and locality of each station, whilst maintaining a consistent national identity.

There is considerable complexity with thousands of potential variations for different locations and requires coordination across design disciplines.

The clearly structured project plan establishes a clear framework for decision making that is informed by feedback from industry and the public. This allows the team to make progress without taking shortcuts, and for decisions to be robustly justified – this is fundamental to ensuring deliverability of the designs.

Amey Consulting

Project: “SMART” Electrification of Core Valley Lines

Amey Infrastructure Wales has come up with a solution for the new Metro in South Wales that will make use of this state of the art, yet wellestablished hybrid technology in its new train fleets; both tri-mode and metro vehicles.

This change from the existing diesel multiple units on the network to hybrids will lead to a profound reduction in carbon footprint and the on-board batteries will significantly reduce the cost of electrification.

The aim of the solution is to create a discontinuous electrification system with wirefree and Permanently Earthed Sections, that utilises the on-board energy storage of the new rolling stock.

In addition, Amey aimed to improve the industry’s understanding of optimising Discontinuous Electrification (e.g. onboard storage, charging, pantograph raising/ lowering) to avoid expensive civil alterations associated with accommodating the contact system in areas of restricted electrical clearances.

NET ZERO PIONEER

AtkinsRéalis

Project: Decarbonising the Railway

AtkinsRéalis is working with the four TOCs (Southeastern, Northern, TransPennine Express, and Govia Thameslink Railway) to address challenges and identify opportunities for positive change through developing Science Based Targets (SBTs) and Decarbonisation Roadmaps.

The AtkinsRéalis developed Decarbonisation Pathway Tool enabled TOCs' entire purchased goods and services - essentially all procurement activities to be reviewed. This included quantifying the enormous volume of data to determine how much carbon each emits annually and, subsequently, their impact.

Coordinating innovative and interactive Scope-based workshops with the TOCs’ to explore options available to set strategic decarbonisation targets with ongoing monitoring, management and reporting, AtkinsRéalis quantified the level of decarbonisation required to meet SBTs.

The findings were used to develop recommendations and solutions within a number of parameters, including cost, timescale and technical complexity, to provide an overall high, medium or low feasibility ranking.

Greater Anglia

Project: Continuous Improvement of Environmental and Sustainability Performance

Greater Anglia has proactively, innovatively and effectively improved its environmental and sustainability performance over the past year.

Progress included increased energy efficiency, reduced waste, reduced water usage, increased biodiversity and reduced adverse impacts on the environment.

It has also championed a sustainable, carbonfriendly approach in its region, increasing station garden areas, pledging land to the Wild East project and extending its pioneering Wildlife Friendly Stations biodiversity accreditation scheme for station adopters.

Work with the Carbon Trust has better quantified its environmental impact, as it works to become an even greener and more sustainable company.

It has succeeded in reducing its Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions for a 3rd year running – by a further 17%, following two years of 11% reductions.

NET ZERO PIONEER

Shortlist

Project: HS2 Crew to Manchester, Phase 2b

Mott MacDonald and WSP worked collaboratively as a joint venture (MWJV) to identify and implement opportunities to reduce GHG emissions arising Lot 1 of the Phase 2b Civils Design and Environmental Services contract (Crewe – Manchester) of HS2.

Reducing GHG emissions as part of a Value Management (VM) process formed a key part of MWJV’s role assisting HS2 in identification of opportunities for GHG reduction.

A team of specialists, including design leads and carbon management specialists, worked collaboratively to drive cost and GHG emissions reductions arising from the design.

Workshops and carbon working groups were held within MWJV to embed a culture that emphasised the importance of GHG reductions across the project. This culminated in producing a carbon reduction waterfall which visualised the GHG reductions and their planned delivery dates.

MWJV has been at the forefront, exemplifying remarkable initiative by developing case studies based on successfully realised opportunities. These case studies have effectively spotlighted the best practices in carbon management for achieving reductions in GHG emissions.

South Western Railway

Project: SWR Journey to Net Zero

In 2022, SWR launched an industry-leading roadmap to net zero, these were its aims: A long-term target of 2040 for net zero, and a SBTi backed, near-term target of a 33.6% overall reduction (scope 1 & 2) to 2027.

In September 2022, the strategy was released. The roadmap has incorporated the latest science-based targets in line with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.

These targets have been independently assessed and audited by the Science Based Target Initiative.

Environmental responsibility touches on all areas of business, at SWR it is constantly striving to not just reduce its carbon footprint, but also use its projects to gift both its colleagues and customers with improved qualities in work and travel.

From projects to replace traditional blownair heaters with upgraded infrared panels in waiting rooms to keep customers warm, to working cross-functionally to understand how driver behaviour affects traction emissions, it is always striving to lead the rail industry into a greener future.

Mott MacDonald/WPS Joint Venture –MWJV

NET ZERO PIONEER

SPL Powerlines UK Limited

Project: Net Zero Pioneer

SPL Powerlines’ net zero journey is part of rail decarbonisation of multiple rail projects across the UK. These include the Midland Main Line (MML) upgrade programme as well as the Carstairs junction upgrade in Scotland.

The projects include the use of multiple off-grid work sites, where traditionally diesel generators are used to power site welfare cabins, lighting as well as tools and equipment. This typically is associated with evening and night work possessions of the rail line where the traditional site equipment produces significant emissions and noise pollution due to the use of fossil fuels.

SPL were contracted to reduce operational carbon or carbon avoidance by more than 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent while maintaining its cost targets as part of the MML project over the duration of the project.

MML was part of a strategic vision to initialise the decarbonisation of more projects across the business, impacting site and works activities across the UK, utilising renewable energy and minimising the use of fossil fuel on-site.

SPL was able to meet the carbon avoidance target set for the MML project more than six months ahead of the deadline.

Torrent Trackside

Project: Zero Emission Tools and Equipment for the Rail Industry

Torrent Trackside has assisted Network Rail with its net zero pledge by introducing a large range of emission free, battery and solar powered tools and equipment.

The objectives were around collaboration to source the best tools and equipment, demonstrating the effectiveness of the tools and equipment, communicating with and educating the rail market to the existence and availability, training and supporting customers, planning towards a totally emission free work site, and evaluating and implementing measures to reduce its own carbon footprint.

It worked closely with its suppliers to develop the new equipment. This collaborative approach maximised innovation from suppliers who were unable to develop such cuttingedge equipment by themselves or found the process financially unviable without a strong commitment.

Once working demonstrators were built, it planned and implemented a programme of roadshows with its suppliers to educate and inform its customers about the new products.

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Shortlist

7N Architects

Project: Hub station – a Blueprint for Sustainable, Community Focused Transport Hub

Hub Station is the blueprint for a new generation of environmentally sustainable, community focused transport hubs.

Design guidance and standard designs define an adaptable kit of parts to transform stations across Britain and equip them for a net zero future.

There is considerable complexity with 1000s of potential variations for different locations and requires coordination across design disciplines.

Hitachi Information Control Systems Europe Ltd

Project: Thameslink ARS

Collaboration was essential to the success of the commissioning of ARS (Automated Route Setting) into Three Bridges Rail Operations Centre (TBROC) in December 2022.

This project superseded the Thameslink Traffic Management (TM) programme at TBROC that in conjunction with the fitment of ETCS and ATO on the Siemens trains, was intended to deliver one of the long-term objectives of the DfT – the delivery of 24 trains per hour through the Thameslink core.

The Thameslink contract covers a distance equal to 20 minutes’ travel time on either end of the central section between Blackfriars and St Pancras International which is a bottleneck where several lines converge. One of the major project challenges is regulating trains through these areas at times when the schedule becomes disrupted.

The ARS system compares real-time train running with the timetable and sets routes automatically. The aim is to reduce the Signallers’ workload, allowing control of a larger area.

OUTSTANDING PROJECT UNDER £20M

SPL Powerlines UK Limited

Project: Delivering a New ECR

The Electrical Control Room (ECR) at York IECC (Integrated Electronic Control Centre) controls and monitors the Traction Power of the North East, East Midlands and East Coast Mainline (ECML) Routes.

Strategic vision was to initialise the decarbonisation of the Midland Main Line (MML) route to support the Traction Decarbonisation National Strategy (TDNS) to enable electric trains to travel to Sheffield, via Derby, and Nottingham.

SPL Powerlines were contracted under a target cost contract (circa. £2.3M) to deliver a new ECR and Emergency Electrical Control Room (EECR) to mitigate the risk, primarily pertinent to the introduction of L2W but also future Projects. The chosen locations were East Midlands Control Centre (EMCC) and the Maintenance Depot at Mercia House.

SPL Powerlines engaged with the Client throughout the project life-cycle. This included supporting the client pre-contract to assist in the resolution of key questions that needed to be confirmed prior to work commencing on the Client Approval in Principle Designs (AiP).

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Shortlist

AtkinsRéalis & Network Rail

Project: Feltham & Wokingham Resignalling Programme

The Feltham and Wokingham (F&W) Resignalling programme is a four year programme of works to upgrade and renew level crossings (LX) and signals in the Feltham and Wokingham area.

The upgrade will see old, out-of-date signalling equipment replaced with AtkinsRéalis' Advanced Signalling Method (ASM), which was recently fully product approved by Network Rail.

The upgrades along the F&W route will enable increased reliability and resilience of both signalling equipment and rail services for customers going from Southwest London into Waterloo.

AtkinsRéalis' ASM solution is modernising signalling technology across the country and is the only UK solution capable of integrating multiple signalling systems. This is critical for the UK railway as it enables Network Rail to effectively maintain signalling equipment with minimal disruption to services and passengers.

Siemens Mobility

Project: Birmingham New Street Resignalling Project

Installed in the 1960’s, Birmingham New Street’s signalling system was ageing and unable to cope with current levels of traffic. That was until the Birmingham New Street resignalling project, where the archaic signalling system moved into the 21st century.

This project has been about providing increased route reliability and station platform flexibility, resulting in a better overall passenger experience and greater operational efficiency.

The objectives of the project included modernising the historic signalling system at Birmingham New Street station; renewing all the life expired signalling systems and trackside substructure in the Power Signal Box, which was over 60 years old and no longer efficient; and streamlining traffic management to make train travel across the West Midlands more efficient.

The project was and is a monumental milestone for the West Midlands portfolio and builds on Network Rail’s strategy of resignalling the West Midlands and assists the government mandate of climate-friendly energy-efficient transport.

OUTSTANDING PROJECT OVER £20M

Avanti West Coast

Project: Avanti West Coast Fleet Refurbishment Project

Avanti West Coast in conjunction with Alstom and Angel have introduced 38 of 56 refurbished Pendolino trains in the biggest UK train refurbish project ever.

Widely regarded as the UK’s hardest working train fleet, the Pendolinos have served towns and cities along the West Coast Main Line for 20 years, clocking up more than 300 million miles – enough to go to the moon and back more than 500 times.

An investment of over £120m has transformed the customer proposition on the Pendolino Fleet including: 25,000 brand new ergonomically designed Standard Class seats with extendable fold down tables, fully refurbished First and Standard Premium Class seats, and the conversion of one First Class carriage (on all 35 x 11-car trains only) providing more than 2,000 extra Standard class seats.

In addition to this, it has seen the introduction of a new Café Bar, improved lighting and new interior carpets, greater use of technology with customer-friendly passenger information screens, new tables which feature integrated wireless mobile phone and USB charging, additional luggage spaces, power points at every seat, and refurbished toilets.

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This well-established event will once again bring the most influential figures from Scotland together to discuss their latest plans and priorities. There’s lots to discuss, including:

-How do we decarbonise the network affordably -How do we embed new innovations into the railway -How do we ensure that passengers get the best experience - What the nationalised franchise meant for passengers -The importance of freight

05 September 2024 Radisson BLU Glasgow

Rail Cymru Conference 2024 will bring together over 300 leading experts, decision-makers, and stakeholders from across the rail industry to share their insights and expertise. The key plans and priorities raised included achieving our net zero targets, promoting diversification, boosting collaboration, enabling more investment, and encouraging innovation.

Key topics discussed include:

The key priorities for CP7, delivering projects within budget, how innovations can make better decisions, decarbonising the network through electrification, how hydrogen can shape the network for the future, the investment in five new stations across South East Wales

Mercure Holland House Hotel Cardiff 17 April 2024

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