Smooth operators in light rail award

WINNERS . . . the Metrolink team

THE firm which operates Greater Manchester's tram network came away from the annual Global Light Rail Awards with an armful of accolades.

Metrolink RATP Dev, a subsidiary of global transport operator RATP Dev, won the coveted Operator of the Year award as well as claiming top spot in two further categories.

It also received highly-commended for two further entries at the awards, which took place in London.

Testament

Metrolink RATP Dev last picked up the Operator of the Year award at the Global Light Rail Awards in 2013.

Tim Jackson, chief executive of RATP Dev UK, said: "Winning Operator of the Year again is testament to the hard work of our team in Manchester and signifies the very high quality of customer service it provides, day-in and day-out.

"Entries for Operator of the Year are judged against tough passenger-focused criteria and it's clear that Metrolink RATP Dev's team has earned top spot for their dedication to serving customers in Manchester."

As well as winning Operator of the Year, Metrolink RATP Dev won the Technical Innovation-Infrastructure category and the Judges' Special Award, which went to senior operations expansion manager Dave Skirrow ­- marking his 36 years in light rail.

On top of a hat-trick of wins, Metrolink RATP Dev was highly commended for its customer ambassadors in the Best Customer Initiative category and Technical Innovation ­- Rolling Stock category, for measures to tackle vandalism on its vehicles.

Chris Coleman, managing director of Metrolink RATP Dev, added: "I'm enormously proud of the operational, engineering and management teams of Metrolink RATP Dev for doing so well at the Global Light Rail Awards.

"I'm over the moon for Dave Skirrow who's rightly been recognised for his career of public service.

"Winning Operator of the Year demonstrates the lengths our teams go to, in the service of passengers in Manchester.

"Our wins and commendations at the 2016 Global Light Rail Awards demonstrate how we're constantly innovating to give Manchester a better tram system."