A vision for the future of Light Rail with Steve Edwards, Chair of the UKTram Board

As the light rail sector navigates a pivotal era of change, UKTram begins the year by spotlighting Steve Edwards, Chair of the UKTram Board. With over three decades of experience in operations management and strategic development, Steve brings unparalleled expertise to the table.
Q&A with Steve
Q: How has the light rail sector evolved during your time in public transport, particularly with emerging technologies and changing demands?
Steve: Compared to many people in the sector, I’m a relative newcomer, but even in that short period, I’ve witnessed significant advancements, including introducing tram-train in Sheffield and Rotherham, the expansion of systems and passengers across the country and innovations in low-emission technologies such as battery-powered trams and hydrogen fuel options. I am particularly interested in seeing how these will develop and the opportunities they will create to expand the footprint of tram systems across the country.
While light rail has always been zero-emission at the point of use, these new technologies present further opportunities to reduce the visual and environmental impact systems create within our communities while offering cost-efficiencies for both their construction and operation.
Other breakthroughs, like the Very Light Rail (VLR) initiative in Coventry, showcase track construction and vehicle design innovations, offering reduced costs and long-term sustainability benefits. Developments like these, alongside enhanced safety standards led by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB), emphasise the sector's adaptability to evolving challenges.

Q: What's your vision for the future of light rail in the UK? How will sustainability and emerging technologies contribute?
Steve: Light rail systems are uniquely positioned to offer sustainable, long-term transport solutions. And though a shift to electric road vehicles reduces emissions, it does not address issues like urban congestion and particulate emissions from tyres and brakes. Light rail systems help these challenges and provide high-capacity, durable infrastructure that can support urban development for decades, reducing road congestion and supporting the regeneration of our urban centres..
Developments in new construction methods (such as new track construction methodologies being trialled at Coventry) and improvements to the planning and assessment process will help improve the viability of light rail systems, whether through new systems, extensions or reduced maintenance and renewal costs.
Q: What challenges do you foresee for the sector, and how can it prepare?
Steve: Understandably, competing for investment remains a key challenge, particularly given the wider economic climate. To address this, the sector must continue to innovate, both in developing technologies, particularly those that reduce the cost of operation and construction, and communicating the long-term benefits light rail offers, compared to the short-term fix from investment elsewhere.
At the same time, technology can play a pivotal role in enhancing the passenger experience. With the devolution of powers to local and combined transport authorities, there's greater political capability to deliver integrated transport solutions that put end-to-end customer journeys at the heart of decision-making.
This collaboration is key to improving customer journeys and creating a unified experience across urban transport networks, ultimately transforming how people navigate and connect within cities.
Q: What are your priorities as Chair of the UKTram Board?
Steve: The primary focus is refreshing UKTram's strategic plan to meet the evolving needs of our members. The plan will prioritise areas like advocacy, sector collaboration, research and development and customer experience improvement. It's about building on our successes while laying the groundwork for long-term sector growth.
Steve's Milestones
Steve's impressive career includes serving as Executive Director for South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE). Under his leadership, SYPTE saw the implementation of numerous transformative projects, such as the Sheffield Supertram system enhancements, the development of the country’s first Tram-Train system between Rotherham and Sheffield, and securing over £1 billion in government funding for infrastructure improvements.
As Chair of the Urban Transport Group, he played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, securing over £100 million in support for essential transport services.
Beyond the boardroom:
Outside of his professional achievements, Steve is deeply committed to giving back. He serves as a magistrate and chairs a local charity providing respite care. A lifelong Liverpool FC supporter, Steve is also an avid concert-goer, having attended performances by the Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney and The Killers.
Staying on track - the road ahead for UKTram
Steve's leadership marks an exciting chapter for UKTram as the organisation strives to support its members through innovation and collaboration. UKTram is well-positioned to shape the future of light rail in the UK, with an upcoming refreshed strategy and a continued commitment to the sector's growth,