David Waboso CBE, managing director of Network Rail’s Digital Railway programme, has announced that he will retire in March, the same month in which he turns 63.
He joined Network Rail in 2016 from Transport for London, where he had been director of capital programmes, delivering a catalogue of major tube upgrades.
Announcing David’s upcoming departure, Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines paid tribute to his work, saying: “Through his skilful leadership and passionate advocacy, Digital Railway is now becoming a reality on ever growing sections of our railway system.
“He leaves a fantastic legacy of a clear direction for delivery through CP6 and beyond, integrating track and train to deliver benefits for passengers and freight users.”
The former maths teacher originally obtained degrees in civil engineering from Coventry University and Imperial College London. After a spell of teaching in east London, he worked on water supply and transportation projects in Nigeria.
Joining the Nicholas Group, David project managed the Docklands Light Railway block resignalling upgrade. He was also instrumental in the integration and commissioning of the Jubilee line extension for its millennium opening.
Sir Peter Hendy, chairman of Network Rail, has described David Waboso as “one of the most talented project engineers in the world” and “a giant in his profession”.
A further announcement on the transitional arrangements and his replacement will be made in due course.
I just happen to be surfing through this site when I found this article about Mr Waboso’s retiring. Although I am from the U.S., I became acquainted with Mr Waboso through looking at episodes of “The Tube” on “YouTube” videos. Through them I learned about the overall operations; the ups and downs of operating, maintaining and upgrading the London Underground……clearly no small undertaking. Waboso played a major role in both maintenance and upgrade projects, particularly with respect to the purchase of the S-7 and S-8 rolling stock for District, Metropolitan, Hammersmith and Circle lines of the underground. But after reading this article and seeing all the other projects that was involved in, I see the I didn’t even know the half of how extensive his talents and flexibility were. I wish him well in his upcoming retirement!!!