Nexus appoints new Metro Services Director

Chris Carson, who has more than 20 years of experience in the UK railway industry, has been appointed Metro Services Director at Nexus.

Mr Carson has been the Operations and Safety Director at DB Regio since February 2016. His career has seen him occupy management roles for both rail infrastructure and operating companies and he brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked in senior roles on the Channel Tunnel rail link and the East Coast mainline.

“I’m really looking forward to this new role,” Mr Carson said. “I’m from the north east and I’ve used the Metro for many years, so I’ve always wanted a job here as part of my career in the railway industry. The challenge is to continue to build on the improving levels of performance. I will be working closely with the new Metro leadership team on this.”

Control of Metro operations

The role has been created ahead of the Metro operating contract with DB Regio coming to an end and Nexus, the public body which owns and manages the Tyne and Wear Metro, taking direct control of Metro operations. Mr Carson will lead the Metro workforce and oversee the operation of trains and stations within a wholly-owned Nexus subsidiary.

“I am delighted to welcome Chris Carson into this newly created role and I look forward to working with him on improving the performance of the Tyne and Wear Metro service,” Director of Rail and Infrastructure, Raymond Johnstone added. “Our aim going forward is to build on the Metro’s improving performance levels and hit the high punctuality targets that we set.”

Nexus is due to take control of Metro operations on 1 April.