Rail industry pays tribute to retiring Network Rail Digital Railway boss

David Waboso, managing director of Network Rail’s Digital Railway programme is set to step down from the position and retire in March, it has been revealed.

Responsible for boosting the use of digital signalling and train control technologies through the Digital Railway Programme, Waboso has been the man at the helm of ensuring Network Rail embraces and adopts new technology to drive more efficiency.

Once London Underground's capital programmes director and responsible for heading up the £1.5 billion annual Tube upgrade programme, Waboso took up the role in summer 2016, replacing Jerry England and reported mainly to former chief executive Mark Carne.

Prior to joining London Underground in 2005, Waboso was executive director at the Strategic Rail Authority from where he led cross-industry national programmes for new signalling and communications systems.

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) has responded to news of the retirement by thanking the digital boss for his work and dedication during his tenure.

David Clarke, technical director at the RIA, said: “Throughout his career in the rail industry, David has been the go-to person for delivering complex rail systems projects efficiently and collaboratively. He retires with a tremendous legacy of projects that will continue to deliver benefits for passengers and freight users long into the future. Most recently, his work on the Digital Railway Programme saw the introduction of new procurement practices, like the Early Contractor Involvement scheme, which are revolutionising how the industry delivers new projects, allowing for greater innovation, lower costs and improved delivery.”

Waboso, who joined London Underground in 2005 to spearhead a renewed focus on engineering excellence across the organisation was awarded a CBE for his services for his longstanding service to transport in the capital.