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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Centro wins prestigious safety award

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The Midland Metro has become the first tram system in the UK to win a Secured by Design award for passenger safety and crime reduction.

Judges from the Secured by Design organisation and the Association of Chief Police Officers have presented the Safer Tram Stop Award to all 23 stops on the system, which is owned by transport authority Centro and operated by National Express.

The initiative rewards operators who reduce crime and anti-social behaviour at tram stops. It also advises operators, designers and architects on how to develop better and safer environments.

Assessors for the award, which is a joint scheme between Secured by Design and British Transport Police, travelled the line between Birmingham and Wolverhampton inspecting facilities at the stops.

They also interviewed passengers, asking questions such as how safe they felt using the Metro and what they felt could be done to improve it.

Councillor Roger Horton, Centro’s lead member for Transforming Rail, said: “The Safer Travel Partnership has been highly successful in reducing crime on the region’s transport system and this award is a reflection of their commitment.”

A recent passenger survey found that 91 per cent felt safe while travelling on the Metro while 99 per cent were happy with the length of journey. A further 94 per cent were satisfied with punctuality.

Dean Watkins, general manager of National Express Midland Metro, said: “The safety and security of our passengers is a key priority for us and the Safer Tram Stop Award validates and recognises the work we have done in partnership with Centro and British Transport Police in this area and represents a significant achievement for us.”

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