UKTram joined industry partners in Sheffield for a collaborative event hosted by the Railway Industry Association (RIA), in partnership with Hitachi Rail and the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), exploring light rail opportunities across South Yorkshire and beyond.

In the latest update from UKTram members, Sika and Volkerrail highlight a new approach to tram track renewal, demonstrating how innovation can support efficiency and reduce disruption across light rail networks. Sika® and VolkerRail have delivered a world first on one of London’s busiest tram routes following the launch of a pioneering track maintenance solution developed by Sika®.

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.

Representatives from across the European light rail sector gathered in Tenerife on the 11th and 12th March for the European Light Rail Congress 2026, hosted by Metrotenerife and organised by Mainspring. The annual congress brought together key people from across the sector for another successful year, to exchange updates and developments, with attendees hearing 23 presentations across the two-day programme alongside a technical tour of the Metrotenerife system.

UKTram’s Operations Manager, Steve Duckering, joined international industry colleagues at the UITP Light Rail Committee Workstream on Operations and Safety, held in Vienna on 25 February 2026. Hosted by Wiener Linien, the meeting brought together operators and stakeholders to review key priorities and share insights on operational performance, safety, and emerging challenges across light rail networks.

In this week's UK and Ireland tram and light rail round-up: KeolisAmey secures new contract to operate Dublin’s Luas network, more network-wide International Women's Day highlights and Transport for London (TfL) marks International Bystander Awareness Day with safety campaign. Plus, Tyne and Wear Metro control room to receive £8.8m system upgrade, West Yorkshire investment pipeline backs future mass transit plans and Supertram highlights work of presentation team.

UKTram’s Digital Marketing and Communications Manager, Chelsea Branch, recently joined a panel of industry professionals for a Women in Transport West Midlands Hub webinar celebrating International Women’s Day 2026.

UKTram was pleased to attend Interchange 2026, held at Manchester Central on 3rd and 4th March 2026. Described by organisers as the UK’s leading meeting place for the integrated transport infrastructure community, the event brought together clients, decision-makers and industry experts to explore how a more decarbonised, resilient and connected transport system can be delivered.

International Women’s Day, taking place on Sunday 8 March, offers an opportunity to recognise the progress made towards gender equality while reflecting on the work still to be done. This year’s theme, Give to Gain, highlights the value of supporting others and creating opportunities that allow individuals and organisations to grow together.

Plenty to get on track with in this week’s UK and Ireland tram and light rail round-up. As the sector marks International Women’s Day on Sunday 8th March, this week’s update includes several features highlighting women across the industry, alongside news from across UK and Irish networks and heritage tramways.

Women in Transport will host an online event on Tuesday, 10th March to mark International Women's Day, bringing together professionals from across the sector to discuss career journeys and opportunities in transport.

There’s been a 4% rise in female representation in the transport sector workforce since 2023 according to the Women in Transport Equity Index. However, whilst progress is being made, continuing this upward trend remains a key priority for gender equality within the sector.

As National Careers Week 2026 focuses on the theme Own YOUR Future, UKTram and its sector partners would like to share a clear message: the future of the industry depends on the people entering it today.

UKTram attended the Clean Futures Innovation Circuit Demonstration Day on 19th February 2026, held at the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering in Coventry. The Clean Futures Innovation Circuit for the West Midlands supports SMEs in developing new ideas by providing funding alongside opportunities to make connections with potential customers.

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

UKTram was pleased to see light rail firmly represented at the recent Politics in Rail: West Midlands Question Time event, hosted by Young Rail Professionals (YRP) at WSP’s offices in Birmingham. The panel discussion brought together senior rail leaders to examine how politics and policy affect investment, delivery, and long-term network development in the West Midlands.

The latest UKTram Light Rail Engineers Group (LREG) meeting and Best Practice Day on took place on 12th and 13th February 2026. Held at Network Rail offices and hosted by Transport for Wales in Cardiff, the two-day programme brought together sector engineers and supply chain representatives, both in person and online, to share updates and explore learning across light rail systems.

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

The recent UKTram Heritage Tramway Committee meeting reviewed progress across several priority workstreams supporting the safe and sustainable operation of heritage tramways. The meeting, held online on Tuesday, 27th January 2026, confirmed continued strong engagement from across the UK’s heritage tramway sector, with regular attendance from operators, the Isle of Man tramways and representation from ORR/HMRI.

The Permanent Way Institution, a UKTram member organisation with an established corporate membership relationship with UKTram, has announced a formal change to its name. The update reflects the Institution’s evolving role within the rail engineering profession and its continued engagement across the wider transport sector.