Celebrating connection: light rail’s role in World Public Transport Day
Today, on 17th April 2026, the global transport community marks the first World Public Transport Day, a new initiative led by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) to recognise the role public transport plays in everyday life.
Public transport underpins how cities function and how communities connect. It enables access to work, education, leisure and opportunity, while supporting more sustainable ways of moving around. For the light rail sector, it is also a moment to reflect on how systems continue to evolve in response to changing demand and expectations.
For UKTram, World Public Transport Day highlights the principles guiding its industry work. Collaboration and practical delivery are vital in supporting members and advancing the industry. This commitment is evident in UKTram’s long-standing relationship with UITP. UKTram has contributed to international committees and working groups, especially through the UITP Light Rail Committee, shaping discussions and bringing insights back to the UK and Ireland.
The ongoing involvement has created a consistent platform for knowledge exchange. UKTram representatives regularly engage with global peers, sharing experience and learning from how different networks are responding to common challenges.
Recent engagement has included participation in international committee meetings and technical workstreams across Toronto, Newcastle, Turin and Vienna, where discussions have explored operational performance, integration between modes and the role of innovation in improving network efficiency.
While each setting is different, the themes are often shared, reinforcing the value of collaboration across borders.
For UKTram, this engagement extends beyond representation. Insights from UITP activities are shared with members to boost capabilities and support application.
This approach aligns with broader trends in transport planning as cities face funding, infrastructure and sustainability pressures. More emphasis is being put on optimising existing networks, along with integration between modes and flexible operating models.
Light rail plays a clear role in this context; adaptability enables operation in diverse environments and connectivity with other modes supports more cohesive transport systems.
Reflecting on UKTram’s involvement with UITP, Managing Director James Hammett said:
“UKTram has been part of the UITP community for many years, and over the past 13 years I’ve seen first-hand how valuable that collaboration is. It provides a space to share experien and learn from other networks. Bringing that insight back into the UK and Ireland helps ensure we continue to develop in a way that is informed, and aligned with the direction of the sector.”
The first World Public Transport Day provides an opportunity to recognise the systems that support daily journeys and the collaboration that makes them possible. Find out more about the initiative and how to get involved here.