A Vision in Motion - UKTram sets out priorities at the UK Light Rail Conference 2025
This year's UK Light Rail Conference was held at the University of Leeds on 22–23 July 2025. As a long-standing sponsor, exhibitor and speaker at the event, UKTram was pleased to contribute to the programme and engage with key discussions shaping the future of light rail in the UK.
The annual event, hosted by Mainspring, brings together decision-makers and innovators from across operations, engineering, policy and planning every year. Across both days, the conference delivered a mix of real-world case studies, some great insights into digital innovation and an abundance of future-focused thinking.
Highlights included updates on major mass transit projects, lessons from expanding the UK’s largest light rail network in Manchester and new ways of using AI, data and tech to understand passenger demand better.
Insightful sessions on international best practice, reliability and sustainability reinforced just how much light rail has to offer, with standout moments that sparked debate and shared solutions.
On day one, our Chair Stephen Edwards delivered a session, “A Vision in Motion: UKTram's Blueprint for the Next Phase of Light Rail”. The presentation outlined a renewed strategic vision for the sector, centred on growth, innovation and organisational changes and capability.
It set out our mission to make light rail the natural choice for connected, sustainable cities, towns and regions, while driving forward priorities such as delivery readiness, skills development, member benefits and best practice sharing.
This evolving blueprint encompasses the creation of a new Requests for Information Library, digital transformation initiatives and the enhancement of sector capacity through newly appointed roles.
With a strengthened team and growing partnerships, including those with the Rail Forum, Campaign for Better Transport, the PWI and our renewed partnership with Women in Transport, we're stepping up our advocacy and engagement across the sector.
A highlight of the two-day event was the inspiring panel discussion “Investing in the Future of Light Rail”, which brought perspectives and passion to the stage. Chaired by UKTram Centre of Excellence Chair and long-time UK Light Rail Conference supporter Colin Robey, the session featured a diverse mix of emerging and established voices in the sector.
Panellists included Robyn McSharry (Light Rail Transit Association), Anna Tyler (Mott MacDonald), Jonty Cullinan (Mainspring), and Sandeep Kaur Dulay (West Midlands Metro), alongside sector leaders Sarah Turner (Nottingham Express Transit) and Tim Kendell (LRTA).
It was genuinely uplifting to hear from the next generation of light rail professionals, whose enthusiasm for the sector was evident throughout. The panel explored how we can better inspire and attract future talent, with engaging reflections on AI, sustainability, mentorship and learning from mentors and experience. Their passion and clear commitment to shaping a stronger, more inclusive light rail sector were a welcome reminder of why investing in young people is essential to long-term success.
Several UKTram board members also presented over the two-day programme. Lindsay Murphy of TXM Consult explored the drivers of reliability through a systems-thinking lens in her session The Bathtub Challenge, while Joanne Bentley from Nottingham Trams discussed NET's approach to delivering customer service excellence. Nicola Small, Programme Director for Coventry VLR, presented on how the team has secured retained scheme funding and overcome key delivery challenges.
We were delighted to share or event stand with Integrated Human Factors (IHF). IHF presented its ongoing research and the latest trials of BaselineNC™, a wearable fatigue monitoring system designed for safety-critical roles. Meanwhile, delegates visiting us were able to explore current workstreams and learn more about membership benefits and sector-wide collaboration.
Our active presence throughout the conference reaffirmed its commitment to sector leadership and collaborative progress. It was also an excellent opportunity to connect with existing members, welcome new faces and open up even more conversations with prospective partners.
A huge thanks to Mainspring for another fantastic event, we look forward to next year.
