Joanne McClure - Celebrating Railway 200

Celebrating Railway 200: The People Powering the Future of Rail

Joanne McClure – Senior Consultant

As part of our Railway 200 celebrations, we’re sharing the stories of the people at the heart of Mercury3 Consult – the individuals shaping the future of the industry.

This week, we hear from Joanne McClure, Senior Consultant, whose 25-year journey in rail has taken her from safety training to station asset management, and even up the Forth Rail Bridge (twice!).

Below, Joanne shares her story, including some standout memories, proud moments, and where she sees rail heading next.

👉 How it All Started

I applied for an admin role, which I had decided not to take, until a friend advised me that the best thing I could do was join the railway! Twenty-five years on and I am still here with a few really interesting roles under my belt, from Training Administrator in the Track Safety Training world, Route Crime Manager, Station Portfolio Surveyor, Asset Control Manager and now Senior Consultant at Mercury3 Consult.

Team member working on site in PPE. — Joanne on-site at Darlington Station during the second phase of roof refurbishment works.

💬 A Memorable Railway Moment

I have had a few memorable moments in my career. One highlight was winning an award for “Best Improved Safety Training Organisation” during my first role.

Another standout moment was when I became a Route Crime Manager. I arranged for the 1988 World’s Strongest Man to move a HST (high-speed train) power car on the turntable at the Railway Museum, in front of 400 children from high-risk route crime areas. The message we aimed to convey was “mind over matter,” and encouraging the children not to succumb to peer pressure when it comes to playing on the railway.

Later, as a Station Portfolio Surveyor, I climbed the Forth Rail Bridge twice!

Transitioning from Network Rail to a Train Operator in 2015 was perhaps the most pivotal point in my career. This change ignited my passion for Asset Management, structures, and buildings, as well as working with construction contractors. I thoroughly enjoy seeing schemes develop from concept to reality, thanks to effective project management, communication, and collaboration.

Additionally, I have spent many hours on station roofs, particularly in Darlington!

A standout moment was when I became a Route Crime Manager. I arranged for the 1988 World’s Strongest Man to move a HST (high-speed train) power car on the turntable at the Railway Museum, in front of 400 children from high-risk route crime areas. The message we aimed to convey was “mind over matter,” and encouraging the children not to succumb to peer pressure when it comes to playing on the railway.

Joanne McClure

Senior Consultant

🚅 Looking Ahead: The Future of Rail

I believe the digital railway will just grow and grow in ways we cannot yet imagine, and the use of technology for sustainability will also increase, as the travelling public demands better sustainable services that are on time.

Thank you to Joanne McClure for sharing her reflections as part of our Railway 200 series.

These stories are a testament to the passion, diversity, and forward-thinking spirit that define Mercury3 Consult and the rail community. Follow along as we continue to feature more voices from across our team.