Hull Trains appoints highly respected driver manager

Steve Pugh - respected industry veteran.

HULL Trains has strengthened its team with the appointment of Steve Pugh as Driver Manager.

Steve is a highly respected industry veteran whose career in the railway industry began with British Rail in 1979, as a trainee driver. He took on a manager’s role in 1991, where he remained until the company’s much-publicised privatisation in 1993.

In the intervening years, Steve gained wider experience as Operations Standards Manager and Head of Operational Safety for what is now Northern Rail - previously Arriva Trains Northern.

During that time, he developed key safety procedures for the company and was part of the team that won the ROSPA George Earle trophy in 2009. As part of a non-technical skills project in 2010, Steve worked closely with the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) to develop training for drivers and managers.

This experience led to the formation of his own company, Rail Safety Connect Ltd. During this time Steve carried out a variety of roles in both heavy and light rail, putting into practice his detailed understanding and experience of the rail industry– for the benefit of a number of different clients.

In July 2017, Hull Trains asked Steve to do some work for them on a consultancy basis. As a result of his initial work and his exceptional track record, he was offered the role of Driver Manager – and Hull Trains was delighted that he accepted.

“Steve’s appointment is fantastic for Hull Trains,” said Managing Director Louise Cheeseman. “His vast experience and skills set in our core team is another move towards Hull Trains offering customers the best possible experience.

“Not only will Steve manage our team of 30 drivers, he will also lead the operations planning and preparations for our fleet of new trains, which are due to enter service in December of next year.”

Hull Trains will be replacing its current fleet with new hi-tech Hitachi trains. On top of extra seating capacity and extra features, customers will still be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi for the entire journey, whether in standard or first class, as Hull Trains remains the only train operator on the East Coast Main Line to offer this service.

Steve was equally enthusiastic about his new role: “I’m really excited to be joining Hull Trains at this time of change and growth. It’s a new experience for me, as Hull Trains is smaller than the companies I have previously worked for.

“There is a great family feel and sense of camaraderie here. This means teamwork comes naturally to everyone, which can only result in a higher standard of work.”