New CEO takes up post at light rail safety body

Raising the profile of the organisation and building even closer relationships with key partners will be top priorities for the new Chief Executive of the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board.

Carl Williams, who started in his new role this week, says he intends to build on the work already done to put the LRSSB front and centre of efforts to further enhance safety across the sector.

“The organisation has a pivotal role to play in driving safety standards, and I’m looking forward to working with colleagues from across the sector and other organisations, including the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and Office of Rail and Road, to ensure we achieve our goals,” he explained.

“These include the development of a comprehensive, world-first light rail risk management model that will provide operators with an effective tool to identify and mitigate against potential hazards.

“At the same time, it’s important that we showcase the work the LRSSB and its partners are doing to further improve what is already one of the safest modes of transport.”

For more than 25 years, Mr Williams has worked in public transport operations and maintenance and brings a wealth of experience to the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board.

Until around the end of the year he remains, on a part-time basis, as Director of Operations at West Midlands Metro. Previously he’s held senior positions at Keolis UK, Manchester Metrolink, Sheffield Supertram, the successful NET Phase II extension project in Nottingham and maintenance company Transdev Edinburgh. LRSSB Chair, Sue Byrne, added:

“Carl has a proven track record of successfully managing a number of large, complex light rail projects. We’re delighted to have him on board as the organisation looks to deliver a wide range of initiatives that will benefit both the sector and the customers it serves.”