New appointment boost for LRSSB board

Currently Operations Director at Transport for Wales, Sarah Higgins joins the Light Rail Safety and Standards board as it continues to evolve to meet the needs of the sector while building on its successes to date.

George Lowder MBE, LRSSB Chair, explained: “The LRSSB is now firmly established as the leading authority on all aspects of light rail safety, but we need to ensure it continues to grow and adapt to meet fresh challenges while exploring new technologies with the potential to further enhance tram safety.

“We are pleased to welcome Sarah to our board, and her broad experience across a number of senior roles will prove invaluable as we look forge even closer links with key stakeholders, including operators and regulators.”

At TfW, Sarah is responsible for leading a large team through the transformation of the Wales and Borders Railways, and the introduction of the South Wales class 398 tram train. Prior to working in operations, she spent almost a decade as a civil servant specialising in rail commercial activities, including alliancing and franchising policy.

Following confirmation of her appointment at an LRSSB Board meeting last week, Sarah said: “I’m delighting to join the LRSSB at such an important time, both for the organisation and the wider sector.

“Huge strides have already been made towards driving down the risk of accidents on what is already one of the safest forms of public transport, and I’m looking forward to helping the LRSSB team to take this work to the next level.”