2026
Supertram wins awards and is highly commended at Global Light Rail Awards
Supertram team pictured left to right: Joe Daly, Productivity Specialist, Trevor Stocker, Head of Service Delivery, Jasmine Thompson, Senior Marketing Manager, Alex Wray, Surveying Coordinator, Ian Law, Transition Manager, Neill Barraclough, Deputy Head of Engineering, Nigel Wragg, Commercial Manager, Simon Scanes, Tram Train Driver, Russ Wild, Network Manager.
Supertram celebrated a fantastic achievement at the Global Light Rail Awards on Wednesday 7 October 2026, winning two awards and receiving a highly commended recognition for another. The awards recognise the achievements of our colleagues and the initiatives making a positive difference to our customers, workforce and network.
Winner of the Rising Star award, Alex Wray, Surveying Coordinator
Since joining Supertram in 2018 as an apprentice, Alex Wray has developed into one of the most valued and influential members of the engineering team. Alex’s line manager said, “Alex’s development has been exceptional, and he introduces new ideas and approaches that are shaping the Engineering department's future.”
Winner of the Best Customer Initiative award
Supertram was recognised for its approach to supporting customers during service disruptions. During disruption in winter 2025, colleagues engaged directly with customers, offering apologies, free day tickets and sweets as a gesture of goodwill. This approach has since been repeated during major engineering works and service changes, helping colleagues provide updates, answer questions and offer reassurance face-to-face. The initiative demonstrates the value of personal contact and a friendly, customer-focused approach when services are disrupted.
Highly Commended for the Most Improved System Award
Supertram was highly commended for its adoption of Optibus, becoming the first tram operator in the UK to introduce the AI-powered scheduling, rostering and operations platform. Bringing planning, scheduling, rostering, operations and driver communications together in one system, the initiative has helped improve workforce wellbeing, reduce fatigue and lower staff turnover. It has also supported Supertram in maintaining a reported 99.2% reliability and punctuality record.
Shortlisted
Supertram was also shortlisted in three other categories, recognising the achievements and contributions of colleagues across the business:
- Employee of the Year, Simon Scanes
- Best Environmental & Sustainability Initiative
- Team of the Year, People & Development Team
These achievements reflect the commitment, expertise and teamwork of colleagues across Supertram. Congratulations to everyone recognised at this year’s awards.
2025
On Wednesday 1 October 2025, Supertram attended the prestigious Global Light Rail Awards in London and was delighted to be named winner of the Technical Innovation of the Year Award. We are proud to have stood alongside outstanding projects from across Europe, Asia, and Australia, and to be recognised for our innovation on the global stage.
Supertram team pictured left to right: Marie Broughton, Conductor Trainer, Jasmine Thompson, Senior Marketing Manager, Nikolas Dobbs, Head of Engineering, Sean English, Managing Director, Paul Holdsworth, Deputy Rolling Stock Manager, David Tingle, Senior Duty Manager, Megan Burns, Head of People & Development, Josh Keeling, Safety Manager, Joe Daly, Productivity Specialist, Ian Law, Transition Manager.
Our winning project introduced a solar-powered remote monitoring system for overhead line tensioning units, delivering real-time data that reduces site visits, cuts emissions, and allows predictive maintenance, meaning fewer delays and smarter use of engineering resources.
Previously, overhead line tension was checked manually, a slow process that could be disrupted by bad weather. Our Engineering team created a fully remote system for the new Tensorex C+ units, with sensors and a solar-powered communications device.
Data is now sent every 15 minutes to a cloud dashboard, letting staff monitor conditions in real time and act quickly if needed.
“Ensuring the overhead lines maintain the correct tension is critical for safe and reliable operation. Remote monitoring lets us prioritise maintenance based on real-time data, saving time and improving service reliability.” Gareth Fairweather, OHLE Supervisor.
“This project is a great example of teamwork, creativity, and practical innovation. Everyone involved in our solar-powered remote monitoring system put in incredible effort, and this award recognises their dedication. It’s exciting to see how our work improves tram operations and makes managing the network more efficient and effective.” Nikolas Dobbs, Head of Engineering.
More recognition for Supertram
In addition to winning the Technical Innovation of the Year Award, we were delighted to be shortlisted for the Most Improved System Award and the Team of the Year Award.
