Transport for Wales (TfW) with its organisational change and sustainable development partner, Arup, received industry recognition at the recent Spotlight Rail Awards.

The partners won the Outstanding Project (under £20m) award for the Welsh Railways Change Programme (WRCP), which brought the Wales and Borders franchise back into public ownership.

To mobilise and transition Transport for Wales from private back into public ownership, Arup supported Transport for Wales through a complex programme that supported the Welsh Government’s ambitions for an accessible transport system that both supports sustainable travel and benefits the Welsh people, places, and its economy.

The Welsh Railways Change Programme began during the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020 and continued until the end of 2021. The project was successfully delivered on time and within budget and included the following:

• More than 50 legal agreements and 300 contracts;
• Transfer of approximately 3,000 members of staff;
• 113 technology systems and services;
• Four licences with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR);
• 18 fleet leases that equate to 317 trains.

Further information about the Spotlight Awards is available online at www.spotlightrailawards.com/

Anthony McKenna, Head of Sponsorship and Commercial Programmes at TfW, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised with this leading industry award.

“The organisation change needed for the WRCP was a significant piece of work lasting a number of months and we could not have done it without a great team effort.

“We were lucky to benefit from a small group of consultants, led by Arup, who helped us deliver the programme successfully.”

Arup Project Director Andrew Jenkins said: “Engagement, collaboration and a culture of knowledge-sharing between the Arup and TfW teams was crucial to the success of this complex project. We’re delighted that this award recognises the value of skilfully delivered organisational change in the rail industry.”