A new leadership team has been announced for UKTram‘s Owners and Authorities Group, with Chris Hopkinson, Head of Metro Operations at Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), taking the helm as the new Chair. He will be joined by Stuart Lowrie, Public Transport Manager for the City of Edinburgh Council, who assumes the role of Vice Chair.
This dual appointment brings a wealth of experience and insight to the group, highlighting the critical role local transport authorities play in shaping light rail across the UK. Their combined expertise is expected to drive key priorities and foster collaboration across the sector.
Chris Hopkinson has been a pivotal figure in the delivery and expansion of the West Midlands Metro, supporting long-term goals for growth, integration, and innovation. Commenting on his new role, Chris said:
“I’m looking forward to chairing the Owners and Authorities UKTram group. Working with colleagues I hope we can look at opportunities to collaborate in order to improve our systems and also look at how we can support those Authorities looking to implement light rail.”
Stuart Lowrie brings extensive knowledge from his work overseeing public transport policy and delivery in Edinburgh, including the city’s expanding tram network. Stuart stated:
“I am very happy to be appointed as vice chair and will do all I can to support Chris. UK Tram, and particularly the owners / authorities group, has been an invaluable source of information and assistance to me in my role in Edinburgh and I look forward to getting more involved in the development of this important organisation.”
UKTram has extended its sincere gratitude to Danny Vaughan (TfGM) and Mark Davis (London Trams) for their outstanding contributions as the previous Chair and Vice Chair.
James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, commented on the leadership change: “We’re grateful to Danny and Mark for their exceptional leadership, and delighted to welcome Chris and Stuart to their new roles. The Owners and Authorities Group is vital in shaping sector strategy and supporting our collective ambitions. We look forward to building on that momentum with Chris and Stuart on board.”
The newly appointed leadership team is set to chair their first meeting later this year, as UKTram continues its mission to drive collaboration, growth, and innovation across all member organisations.
