Amanda White, a former head of rail with Transport for Greater Manchester, has joined the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) as interim programme director to work on the development of five new stations in Birmingham and the Black Country.
She brings with her over 17 years as a railway professional, working at all levels of the UK industry. Since she left TfGM in April 2019, she has been providing strategic rail advice for clients in the North of England. Her particular expertise is in both railway operations and infrastructure projects, especially in the promotion of locally funded and delivered station schemes.
Her appointment comes at a time of major investment and expansion in railway stations and services. Current projects include the construction and opening of five new railway stations – Willenhall, Darlaston, Moseley, Kings Heath and Hazelwell – as well as the redevelopment of the University and Perry Barr stations in Birmingham. With all of these projects approaching the final stages of outline design, Amanda will lead the WMRE team that will focus on planning approval and taking the stations through to detailed design and construction.
On announcing Amanda’s appointment, WMRE executive director Malcolm Holmes said: “Amanda has an excellent track record of working collaboratively to shape and deliver improvements in rail.
“Her appointment as interim programme director supports WMRE’s ambition to deliver a rail infrastructure for the people of the West Midlands to be proud of.”
Naturally, Amanda is delighted to be joining WMRE at such an important time in the programme.
“With so many local stakeholders coming together to deliver this, it is an example of true cross sector support for rail investment,” she said. “I’m excited to be able to take the designs forward into construction.”
Amanda’s appointment as interim director will last until at least the end of 2020 and may be extended further.
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