Light rail industry leader to chair West Midlands tram operator

One of the UK’s top light rail executives has been appointed as the new chair of Midland Metro Limited (MML), the operator of the West Midlands’ expanding tram network. 

 

With more than 30 years’ experience in senior roles across the sector, Phil Hewitt is no stranger to the region, having previously served as Metro director at Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) ahead of the launch of tram services through to the Library of Birmingham in 2019. 

 

A former chair of the tramway sector’s representative organisation, UKTram, and of the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, Mr Hewitt has also played a key role in a series of other landmark urban transport projects. 

 

Now, as the Metro heads towards further expansion, Mr Hewitt says he’s looking forward to supporting the Board of Directors and working with the MML management team as a new era for the network approaches. 

“I’m delighted to be taking on this role at such an exciting time for the region’s tram system, with the construction of two new lines already well underway.” he said. 

 

“The undoubted popularity of the tram amongst the travelling public is down to the hard work and dedication of the MML team, and I’m relishing the opportunity of working once more with the other board members and the new Managing Director as she implements her plans to ensure the organisation is ready for the future. 

 

“By following the principles of ‘plan, do, review’, I’m confident that together we can drive the Metro’s popularity to new heights as we deliver the expansion of Metro services that will contribute to WMCA’s plans to transform mobility across the region.”