Vivarail today announced that Steve McBride has been appointed Managing Director of its UK operations, whilst Adrian Shooter continues as Chairman.
Vivarail was set up by Adrian 7 years ago and in that time has developed from rolling stock manufacturer to become a rail technology company, specialising in emission-free battery traction. Vivarail has supplied fleets of trains to London Northwestern Railway, Transport for Wales, South Western Railway and Railroad Development Corporation, and has designed and built the UK’s only battery and battery hybrid trains fully approved for passenger service.
Steve joined Vivarail 3 years ago as Production Director, having previously worked at Angel Trains as their Operations Director. Steve has overseen the build and delivery of trains as well as introducing new systems and internal procedures to drive forward quality and customer service across the company.
Adrian Shooter said, “Running Vivarail has been both one of the most challenging and yet one of the most enjoyable roles of my whole career. From a small start-up we have become firmly entrenched in delivering new technologies to help decarbonise the rail network. Our specialisation in battery technology, including new traction systems and our patented Fast Charge means we are now in a position to deliver trains able to travel circa 80 miles and recharge in 10 minutes. I am convinced this is a game-changer for the industry as we have proved it is possible to re-traction existing stock – saving embedded carbon and providing a new way to electrify the network at minimal time and cost.
“I have worked with Steve for many years and was delighted when he agreed to join Vivarail, his hard work has driven us forward, I am sure that will continue and he will have my full support as I continue in my role as Chairman.
“This is another exciting chapter in the Vivarail story – and one I shall cover in my autobiography!”
Steve McBride said, “Adrian’s contribution to the rail industry is unparalleled. From Chairman of Chiltern Railways to setting up the ROSCOs to his work on rail safety standards, his dedication to continuous improvement and legacy of excellence will last for many years.
“Vivarail is, without doubt, set to become an ever more important player in the rail decarbonisation agenda – not just in the UK but across the globe. We have already exported the UK’s first ever battery train to the US, and working as part of the RDC family offers us many more opportunities for growth and success in the coming years.”
Vivarail will be at RVE, RSN and Infrarail this autumn, as well as launching its next-generation battery train at COP26. Steve and the senior team will be present throughout to talk about Vivarail’s technology and the future. For more information contact [email protected] or visit www.vivarail.co.uk
