This week’s round-up of business news from the UK railway industry.
Chris Conway is to step down as Translink Group Chief Executive in spring 2026. Chair Frank Allen said ‘over the past decade, his vision and values have not only reshaped public transport in Northern Ireland but have also propelled it forward with purpose and ambition. Under his stewardship, Translink has undergone a remarkable transformation.’ The recruitment of the next CEO will begin shortly.
Transport for Wales is undertaking consultation on changes to the Conwy Valley line timetable proposed for December 2026. It said the line was an important service that primarily supported local travel to and from Llandudno, and was experiencing increased leisure demand during the summer months. The new timetable aims to better serve commuters and better integrate with buses and Ffestiniog Railway heritage trains.
TransPennine Express has launched ‘Penny’ a chatbot developed with Enterprise Bot to provide live train information and assist with ticket details, timetables and queries related to travel plans. ‘This is an easy and instant way for people to receive and find information about our services and any disruption that may take place while they are travelling with us’, said Customer Experience & Transformation Director Andrew McClements.
Huw Merriman has been appointed non-executive Chair of the High Speed Rail Group. The former Conservative MP, Rail Minister and Transport Select Committee Chair is also Chair of the Liverpool–Manchester Railway Partnership Board. ‘The UK now stands at an important crossroad for high speed rail’, he said. ‘While progress on HS2 since the reset is encouraging, crucial decisions on northern connectivity are still awaited. It is vital that these decisions fully reflect the opportunities for improved connectivity, increased capacity and regional growth.’ Ben Tirunawarkarisu, Director & Transportation Sector Leader, Programmes & Advisory at Jacobs has also joined the HSRG board.
Network Rail and contractor Murphy have installed two lifts at Warwick station as part of the Access for All programme. Work began in 2023 but the discovery of unexpected building foundations, believed to be from the first station on the site that was destroyed by fire in 1894, meant a major redesign was needed. The subway has also been upgraded with improved handrails and better lighting. ‘Installing lifts at Victorian stations is complex and challenging but the railway should be accessible by all’, said Martin Colmey, Operations Director for Network Rail’s Central Route.
Ruth Busby is to join Govia Thameslink Railway as People Director in November. She has worked in rail since 2018, as HR Director at Great Western Railway and from January 2023 as People & Transformation Director for GWR and Network Rail. She previously held senior leadership positions at the University of Reading, the Atomic Weapons Establishment and the Civil Service.
Seven apprentices and 14 graduates have begun two-year programmes at HS2 Ltd. Over the last eight years HS2 Ltd has taken on 209 apprentices and 125 graduates, while 1 713 people have secured an apprenticeship with its construction partners and their suppliers.
Axial Projects provided Amey with planning and control support for the recent 30-day Huddersfield blockade in conjunction with the Transpennine Route Upgrade.
Sarah Jane Crawford has been appointed Industry Partnership Director at the East Coast Digital Programme, replacing Ed Akers who has moves into a broader digital railway role as Industry Portfolio Director at innovation body GBRX. Crawford was previously Senior Programme Manager, Digital, at Network Rail’s East Coast Route.
Olivia Brown, former Head of Marketing & Operations at the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation, has joined Telent Technology Services as Business Development Manager (Light Rail).
Martyn Court has joined Mace from Arcadis as Head of Mobility, responsible for rail, highways, aviation and ports.
Resonate Group has appointed Richard Ellis-Edwards as Head of Client Development, responsible for facilitating growth with the existing client base and seeking expansion into new routes and market opportunities. He has held senior positions at Nomad Digital (Alstom), Frequentis and most recently Arcadis.