Award for Midland Metro director
The development director for the Midland Metro Alliance and Transport for West Midlands has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the light rail industry
Peter Adams has been given an award for his work leading on the planning of future tram routes in the region/
The Global Light Rail Awards in London on October 3, celebrated and rewarded the most outstanding contributors to the industry.
Mr Adams received the judges’ special award which honours individuals who have made an exceptional commitment to furthering the light rail industry.
He was recognised for the legislative work undertaken required for bringing light rail extensions from the planning phases, to securing funding and finally into construction.
Alejandro Moreno, Midland Metro Alliance director, said: “We’re delighted that Peter has been recognised within the industry for the tireless work he has undertaken to extend the West Midlands Metro throughout the region.”
Jim Harkins, chairman of Tram Forward, who presented the award on the night said: “Peter is always willing to offer advice and the programme he has been working on will forever change transport in the West Midlands. If anyone in the industry ever wanted logical, strategic advice on how to build a tramway – then Peter should be one of the first people on your call list.”
Mr Adams said: “I was surprised, but also pleased and proud to win the judges’ special award at this year’s Global Light Rail Awards. I have worked with a fantastic team and so I would like to thank my colleagues at Transport for West Midlands and Midland Metro Alliance who I have been working with to extend the West Midlands Metro throughout the region.”
He is a chartered engineer and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation. He obtained a BSc (Hons) in civil engineering from the University of Birmingham and since graduating in 1980, worked for Leicestershire County Council and the Highways Agency before joining Centro (now Transport for West Midlands) in 2002.
He managed the development and implementation of West Midlands Metro extensions since 2004 and helped form the Midland Metro Alliance, heading up the development team, in 2016.
It was also a night of celebration for the region’s tram network all round too, as West Midlands Metro and tram manufacturer CAF were highly commended for innovative battery-powered tram technology.
The Midland Metro Alliance was nominated in an additional two categories, including employee of the year in recognition of training and development manager Rose Rees and her work in training local young people and helping to get their careers in light rail construction and renewals on the right track.
The West Midlands Metro currently runs between Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
An extension from Wednesbury through Dudley to Brierley Hill is among the extensions currently in progress.
