The UK rail industry will come together at UK Rail on the 13th and 14th of May 2026, when the sector-wide event returns to NEC Birmingham. The two-day event will provide a national platform to bring together leaders from across rail projects, operators, rolling stock manufacturers, suppliers and innovators.

UKTram’s Owners and Authorities Group (OAG) held its first meeting of the year on Wednesday, 13th January. The meeting was chaired by group Chair Chris Hopkinson and Vice Chair Stuart Lowrie and representatives from across the sector met online to align priorities and progress workstreams. 

In this week’s light rail news round-up: Blackpool Transport extends its £10 Family Saver ticket following a surge in demand, Nottingham Express Transit confirms weekend works on the Clifton route and Edinburgh’s bus and tram networks record more than 130 million journeys in 2025. Plus, updates on mass transit plans in West Yorkshire and Coventry, workforce appointments and retirements across Supertram, Metro and NET, sector-wide skills development highlighted by LRSSB.

UKTram has officially launched its new Members Hub, a dedicated online space designed to share resources, insight and collaboration tools for light rail professionals across the UK and Ireland.

In the light rail news round-up this week: Edinburgh Trams highlights January events across the city, Blackpool Transport Managing Director awarded OBE in New Year Honours and NET launches January annual ticket offer with major savings. Plus, Sheffield Supertram freezes fares and cuts long-distance singles for 2026, Young Tyne and Wear Metro fan brings new train to life and Heritage tramways announce 2026 events.

This year, UKTram aims to deliver even greater value for its members while supporting the continued growth, performance and impact of light rail across the UK and Ireland.

UKTram is pleased to welcome Tim Bilby to the team as Stakeholder & Innovation Manager, strengthening our capacity to support innovation and engagement across the light rail sector.

 As 2025 draws to a close, UKTram is reflecting on a brilliant year for both the organisation and the wider light rail sector. We've had record engagement across functional groups, growing government confidence in light rail investment, and rail patronage across England totalling more than 231 million, with systems outside London seeing a 6% uplift and vehicle miles increasing by 4%.

UKTram has been featured in the latest Rail Director article published by Rail Business Daily, with Managing Director James Hammett reflecting on a pivotal year for the UK light rail sector and the opportunities ahead.

In our final light rail news round-up of 2026: Edinburgh Trams roll out festive Reindeer Trams, West Midlands Metro confirms fare changes from January 2026 and Coventry progresses Very Light Rail demonstrator. Plus, Driver training completed on new Tyne and Wear Metro fleet, TfL completes low-carbon upgrade at London Trams depot, government reaffirms backing for West Yorkshire Mass Transit and festive wishes and reflections from the UKTram team.

UKTram is pleased to announce the official launch of Tram Talks, our new members’ magazine, created to provide a dedicated space for insight and shared learning across the light rail community.

On Thursday 4th December, the Light Rail Operators Committee (LROC) convened at the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) Depot, bringing together operators from across the UK and Ireland to reflect on operational performance, shared challenges and best practice. 

In this week’s UKTram light rail news round-up: NET launches safety campaign urging motorists to stay tram aware, Greater Manchester opens consultation on long-term transport vision and West Midlands Metro partners with The Old Rep Theatre for festive discounts. Plus, Blackpool Transport seeks new Managing Director, Luas confirms late-night festive services across Dublin and digital upgrade and matchday operations in focus for Tyne and Wear Metro.

The latest meetings of the Light Rail Engineering Group (LREG) and the accompanying Best Practice Day made for two days of constructive discussion in Manchester on the 20th and 21st of November 2025.  

In this week’s UKTram light rail news round-up: Supertram thanks customers with free travel and chocolate, Tyne and Wer Metro bridge works progress as part of wider modernisation programme and West Midlands Metro re-launches safety campaign ahead of network expansion. Also featured this week: Edinburgh Trams sets out festive service plans, Manchester Metrolink launches festive colleague recognition postcards, Mr Monopoly takes a trip on Nottingham’s tram network and Luas laun

UKTram is delighted to share that Chelsea Branch, UKTram's Digital Marketing Manager, has been selected for Women in Transport’s Advance mentoring programme, now entering its largest cohort to date, with more than 100 participants taking part. 

In this week’s UKTram light rail news round-up: NET confirms updated fares and expanded digital payment incentives, Supertram celebrates staff progression and supports Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Government backs next stage of DLR extension. Plus, updates on the Luas Red Line services following bridge reconstruction, Edinburgh Trams' safety requirements for works near the network and Metrolink's donation 155kg of clothing for charity. Heritage highlights this week inclu

The Isle of Man’s historic railways are recruiting for an Electrical / Mechanical Rolling Stock Fitter, offering a rare opportunity to support one of the most distinctive heritage transport systems in the British Isles.

Yesterday, (November 26th) the Government signalled continued confidence in urban rail and mass transit schemes through this week’s Budget, setting out commitments that reinforce the role of light rail, tramways and metro-style systems.

UKTram played an active role at the RIA (Railway Industry Association) Light Rail Member Interest Group yesterday (Monday 24 November), where industry leaders and supply chain partners came together at Arup’s Birmingham office to discuss the growing opportunities within the UK’s evolving light rail landscape. The session, kindly hosted by Arup, brought a cross-section of organisations focused on the future of tramways and wider guided transport.