Colin Robey appointed Honorary President of UKTram

UKTram has appointed Colin Robey as Honorary President in recognition of his exceptional and longstanding contributions to the organisation and the broader light rail sector. Colin has spent over sixty years working in heavy and light rail, including almost twenty years with UKTram. During this time, he has shaped strategy, development, governance and professional standards.

Colin has held important leadership roles at UKTram, serving as Director from 2011 to 2017 and returning to the Board in 2022. As Managing Director from 2013 to 2017, he led the organisation through a formative period, overseeing its reconstitution as a credible trade body aligned with the Department for Transport’s Green Light for Light Rail agenda. His long-term leadership helped establish UKTram’s governance and strategic direction.

Since 2020, Colin has led the UKTram Centre of Excellence, an important strategic project. With his guidance, the Centre has encouraged collaboration across the sector, shared technical advice and best practices and supported members with scheme development, delivery, safety and operations.

Colin has also been a strong supporter of skills development and knowledge stewardship, recognising the importance of retaining expertise during periods of limited scheme delivery. His mentorship has influenced many professionals across the sector, including UKTram Managing Director, James Hammett. Colin's immeasurable support for apprenticeships and early-career initiatives continues to underline his commitment to the future of light rail.

James Hammett reflected:

“Colin’s influence on UKTram and the wider light rail sector goes much further than the roles he has held. He’s been a mentor to many across the industry, myself included and someone whose experience and judgement I’ve always valued. This honorary appointment recognises the lasting contribution Colin has made and the insight he continues to share with the organisation.”

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, the Board agreed to confer the title of Honorary President, reflecting the scope of his work, which also spans cost assessment, tramway design, distinctions between core infrastructure and wider urban realm enhancements and a focus on deliverable, value-led light rail schemes.

Reflecting on the appointment, Colin said:

“I’m honoured and proud to be appointed Honorary President. It’s been a privilege to work alongside so many committed colleagues across the sector and I’m very pleased to remain involved to continue supporting UKTram as it moves forward.”

UKTram would like to thank Colin for his outstanding service, insight and leadership over many years. This appointment as Honorary President reflects an acknowledgement of a career that has helped shape modern light rail thinking in the UK and a continued commitment to supporting the sector as it looks ahead.