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UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail Round-up | Network renewal and new leadership | 21st August 2026
In the UK and Ireland tram and light rail round-up this week: Nottingham trams feature in Channel 5 documentary, KeolisAmey Luas confirms its senior leadership ahead of taking over Dublin’s network, while Supertram renewal work continues. Glasgow Subway prepares for further modernisation closures and additional tram services support major summer events in Edinburgh and Manchester. Plus, stakeholders explore the proposed Dudley Dasher and Nexus introduces a new approach to man
Aug 217 min read


National Tramway Museum lecture to explore the journey of the modern British tramcar
The story of the modern British tramcar will take centre stage at the National Tramway Museum next month, as transport expert David Leeder delivers the Annual Geoffrey Claydon Memorial Lecture.
Taking place on Friday, 11th September, The Modern British Tramcar Journey – From revival to revolution will explore the return and development of modern tram and light rail systems following a 50-year gap in new systems across Britain.
Aug 212 min read


A summer of celebration for the Isle of Man’s heritage transport
Manx Heritage Transport Festival celebrates the people keeping transport history alive
The Isle of Man's transport heritage received significant attention this summer, highlighted by a successful Manx Heritage Transport Festival and a month of celebrations across the Island's historic networks.
Aug 112 min read


150 years of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway - preserving heritage through shared expertise
This August marks a significant milestone for one of the world's most distinctive tramways, as the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway celebrates its 150th anniversary. Operating along Douglas Promenade since 1876, the horse-drawn tramway remains an endearing symbol of the Isle of Man's transport heritage and one of only a handful of horse tramways still operating anywhere in the world.
Aug 72 min read


Heritage Tramway Committee shares knowledge during summer meeting in Llandudno
Members of the UKTram Heritage Tramway Committee met in Llandudno this week to exchange knowledge and discuss common challenges to support the long-term future of the UK's heritage tramways.
Jul 281 min read


UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail Round-up | Summer travel, network investment and heritage progress | 24th July 2026
NET gets on board with Nottinghamshire Pride, free cycle travel supports passengers during Metrolink works and Edinburgh Trams prepares for two major concerts. Plus, engineering upgrades move the South Wales Metro forward, Blackpool Transport receives national recognition and West Midlands Metro promotes flexible summer travel. Heritage highlights this week include: funding for the full Douglas horse tram route, new carriages at Saltburn Cliff Tramway and more
Jul 245 min read


Heritage rail trial highlights Mixed-Use Railway potential
The Mixed-Use Railway community has commended a new rail trial connecting Bewdley with Birmingham as a practical example of Mixed-Use Railway thinking. The Severn Valley Railway has joined forces with West Midlands Rail Executive and West Midlands Railway to launch an eight-week trial, beginning on September 1st, 2026.
Jul 242 min read


New guidance opens the door for more young volunteers across heritage rail and tramways
New guidance published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will make it easier for heritage railways and tramways to welcome young volunteers, providing greater clarity around opportunities for 14 to 16-year-olds to gain valuable experience in the sector.
Jul 242 min read


King Charles III marks 150 years of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway
The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway celebrated a landmark moment in its 150th anniversary year this week as His Majesty King Charles III, Lord of Mann, visited the Isle of Man to commemorate one of the world's oldest continuously operating passenger tramways.
Jul 172 min read


West Midlands Metro honours light rail pioneer Geoffrey Claydon with tram naming
One of the light rail sector's most respected and influential figures has been honoured by West Midlands Metro with the naming of a tram in memory of Geoffrey Claydon. The ceremony took place on Thursday 2nd of July at Edgbaston Village, where tram 40 was officially unveiled as 'Geoffrey Claydon CB 1930–2025' before invited guests from across the light rail and heritage tramway community.
Jul 22 min read


UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail Round-up | Connections, milestones and investment in the future | 26th June 2026
In this week's UK and Ireland tram and light rail Round-up: West Midlands Metro reaches Dudley for the first time in almost a century, Bee Network offers free travel for Armed Forces Day, Luas prepares for Dublin Pride parade and operators issue hot weather travel advice. Plus, next phase of Supertram upgrades to take place this weekend, UKTram celebrated International Women in Engineering Day, Manx Electric Railway crew...
Jun 268 min read


UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail Round-up | community initiatives, accessibility and transport heritage | Friday, 22nd May 2026
In the UK and Ireland tram and light rail round-up this week: West Midlands Metro renews Pride travel partnership, Runner prepares to become first woman to complete Tyne and Wear Metro route challenge and Supertram launches community volunteer programme across South Yorkshire. Plus, KeolisAmey Docklands launches search for new charity partners, Leeds regeneration plans linked to future West Yorkshire mass transit network and Edinburgh Trams marks first anniversary of Tap On,
May 226 min read


International tram enthusiasts visit Blackpool as UK light rail and heritage networks welcome North American tour group
A group of tram and railway enthusiasts from North America recently visited Blackpool as part of a wider tour exploring light rail and heritage tramway systems across the British Isles. Organised with support from UKTram Heritage Tramway Committee Vice Chair Ian Longworth, the visit formed part of a wider programme coordinated for members of the Electric Railroad Association, with visitors travelling from across the United States and Canada.
May 152 min read


Summerlee Museum recruits Tramway & Historic Engineering Technician
Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life is recruiting a Tramway & Historic Engineering Technician to support the operation and maintenance of its heritage tramway and engineering exhibits. The permanent, full-time role offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of one of Scotland’s leading industrial heritage sites.
Apr 231 min read


Heritage Tramways Committee focuses on marketing and sector visibility
Held at UKTram’s offices, representatives from across the heritage tramway community met online and in person to share recent updates and explore opportunities to strengthen engagement with visitors. It was acknowledged that this was the 40th meeting of the group which has been running for over ten years.
Apr 222 min read


UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail Round-up: Easter services, investment and network improvements | 2 April
In the UK and Ireland tram and light rail round-up: West Midlands Metro extension to Millennium Point opens this Easter, NET invites nominations for 2026 Community Hero tram and Tyne and Wear Metro introduces fare cap and new easyJet partnership. Also featured this week: MetroLink's contract notices for utilities and enabling works and TravelSafe LiveChat campaign targets young passengers across Bee Network. Heritage highlights include Easter events and Beamish tramway infras
Apr 25 min read


UKTram Heritage tramway membership reaches full sector representation
UKTram has reached a significant milestone, with its Heritage Tramway community now representing all heritage tramways across the UK and British Isles.
Mar 301 min read


UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail Round-up: Cardiff Crossrail, contactless ticketing and sector-wide improvements | 20 March
In this week's UK and Ireland tram and light rail round-up: Cardiff Crossrail Phase 1 contract awarded to GRAHAM, NET raises more than £17,000 for local causes across the city, Glasgow Subway introduces contactless pay-as-you-go ticketing and a temporary West Midlands Metro timetable ahead of new line launch. Plus, KeolisAmey Metrolink showcases VR safety campaign at Parliament, Blackpool Transport set for busy Easter weekend and improved Cutty Sark station reopening.
Mar 208 min read


UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail Round-up: transport funding, new appointments and tramway restoration | 27 February
In this week's UK and Ireland light rail round-up: 55+ million Luas journeys recorded in Dublin, Phase 2 of Coventry Very Light Rail begins, Nexus takes delivery of all 46 new Stadler Metro trains and KeolisAmey Metrolink welcomes first T‑Level students. Plus, Transport funding approved for Birmingham Metro extension, South Yorkshire reports strong public response to Supertram changes and Blackpool Transport Services appoints new managing director
Feb 277 min read


UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail Round-up: Safety upgrades and sector leadership | 20 February 2026
In this week's UK tram and light rail round-up: West Midlands Metro names Midlands Air Ambulance as Charity of the Year, Sheffield Supertram driver marks 30 years of service and Blackpool Transport freezes popular tram and bus tickets for third year running. Plus, Prime Minister and Welsh First Minister visit Transport for Wales depot, Heritage Tramway Committee highlights safety, skills and guidance priorities and Mainspring European Light Rail Congress 2026 programme confi
Feb 207 min read
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