Tech-savvy manager wins rail industry award

Southern’s Kai Gohegan has been presented with the Depot Staff of the Year award at the RailStaff Awards.

Kai, who has worked for Southern for just under 13 years, has been credited with revolutionising the way the train operator plans fleet maintenance.

In his role as fleet control manager, Kai developed a web-based software programme - known as Rail Tech Software (RTS) - to replace the existing paper-based system.

The software has since been adopted across the entire Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) network, which includes four different maintenance depots and around 500 trains.

“To be honest it was just nice to come, have the pat on the back and even be included,” said Kai, who began his career at Southern working in the ticket office and now works at the Three Bridges control centre in Crawley.

“I’m massively proud of what I’ve managed to achieve over the few years but more so because of the feedback I get; genuinely it makes people’s lives easier which is always a good thing.”

GTR chief executive Charles Horton said: “Many congratulations to all our colleagues who received richly deserved nominations for the RailStaff Awards.

“Kai has overhauled various different systems used to manage train maintenance, and developed a concept for a central system which has sped up processes across the depot.

“We are excited for the years ahead - GTR is in the midst of a modernisation programme which will offer so much to so many, and the selection of our colleagues at the awards ceremony are very much part of and deserve to be proud of that."

The Depot Staff of the Year category was sponsored by security service provider Land Sheriffs.

The RailStaff Awards, which was held on October 7 at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena, celebrates the achievements of the individuals and teams who work in the rail sector.

Tom O’Connor, from event organiser Rail Media, said: “The RailStaff Awards is now in its 11th year but it feels as relevant as ever. We’re always humbled by the stories behind our winners and honoured to give something back to the industry. We must also thank our sponsors for making the night possible and everyone who attended for such a memorable evening.”

Ends

Notes to editors

For more information about Govia Thameslink Railway email press.office@gtrailway.com or call

Southern and Gatwick Express press office: 0203 750 2030

Thameslink and Great Northern press office: 0203 750 2031

For more information about the RailStaff Awards contact:

Marc Johnson - 01530 816453/ 07966 510418 (marc@rail-media.com) or Stewart Thorpe - 01530 816453 (stewart@rail-media.com)

RailStaff

Established in 1997, RailStaff is a monthly magazine distributed to those who work in the UK rail industry.

The RailStaff Awards recognises the heroism and dedication of the thousands of men and women who run Britain’s railways. This includes, drivers, cleaners, signallers, planners and track workers.

The RailStaff Awards is a Rail Media event. For more information about all this year's nominees and winners visit the RailStaff Awards website.