Colin Robey's 60 year career shaping UK rail and light rail

Few people can claim to have shaped the UK’s modern light rail sector quite like Colin Robey. Over an extraordinary 60-year career, his influence has stretched from major infrastructure projects to shaping industry policy, mentoring future leaders and encouraging collaboration across the sector.

With over three decades in heavy rail and 28 years in light rail, including two decades of service with UKTram, Colin’s influence spans from major infrastructure projects such as the West Midlands Metro to his ongoing leadership of the UKTram Centre of Excellence. Colleagues from across the sector describe him as an inspiration, mentor and “the godfather of light rail”.

Reflecting on his career, Colin highlights the Transport and Works Act as a transformative milestone for new schemes and the formation of UKTram as a turning point for greater collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Colin also continues to emphasise the importance of separating core tramway delivery from public realm enhancements to ensure more accurate and viable funding cases. James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, praised Colin’s legacy:

“His knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm have shaped the sector and inspired future generations. It has been a privilege to work alongside him.”

The full feature on Colin Robey’s remarkable career and contributions will be published in the next edition of Tramways & Urban Transit (TAUT).