Specialist transport operations and maintenance consultancy North Star Consultancy has become the latest organisation to join UKTram, bringing experience from light rail and metro projects across the UK and around the world.

In this week's light rail news: Sector celebrates success at Global Light Rail Awards, Blackpool Transport appoints two Executive Directors, Edinburgh operators secure three National Transport Awards and KeolisAmey Luas sets out priorities following operator transition. Plus, Airport firefighters complete training on new Metro fleet, South Yorkshire seeks views on future transport priorities, support continues for proposed DLR extension to Thamesmead and Mass Transit Taskforc

Organisations and individuals from across the light rail sector were recognised for their achievements at the Global Light Rail Awards on Wednesday 7th October, with UKTram members featuring prominently among this year's winners and highly commended entries.

Light rail representatives have visited Coventry to see the installation of a new track system being developed as part of the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) programme. The visit, promoted by UKTram, gave representatives from light rail networks an opportunity to see the CVLR track being installed at Mile Lane and hear directly from the team responsible for its development.

In the UK and Ireland tram and light rail news this week: Transport Infrastructure Ireland appoints Amey to a new Luas overhead line works framework, while Nexus prepares for a nine-day Metro closure to deliver major infrastructure renewals. The light rail Skills Hub reflects on a successful first year, and TfL offers a closer look at the role of a London Trams driver. Elsewhere, new artwork celebrates Supertram’s engineering community and Blackpool tram 012 receives a herita

The latest issue of Tram Talks, UKTram’s member-led magazine, is now available and shares insights, experiences and stories from across the light rail sector.

In today's weekly light rail news round-up: passengers are advised to prepare for major Metrolink improvement works, while strike action is expected to affect Nottingham’s tram network during Goose Fair. Free Wi-Fi is expanding across the Tyne and Wear Metro and UKTram colleagues have had a busy week contributing to sector events in Belfast, Berlin, Coventry and Poland. Heritage highlights include the return of Douglas Bay Horse Tramway’s Sunshade car 32 and the rediscovery o

After this month’s UKTram and LRSSB Summit, the UKTram team kept up the pace, staying busy with industry events across the UK and Europe throughout September.

Light rail operators from across the UK and Ireland shared experiences, emerging challenges and examples of innovation at the latest meeting of UKTram’s Light Rail Operations Committee. Held in Birmingham ahead of the UKTram and LRSSB Summit, the third LROC meeting of the year gave members an opportunity to hear about developments across different networks and explore areas where experience and ideas can be shared across the sector.

Engineering professionals from across the light rail sector shared technical knowledge, project experience and examples of innovation at the latest meeting of UKTram’s Light Rail Engineering Group (LREG).

Rail technology and engineering specialist Wabtec has joined UKTram, looking to build stronger connections across light rail.

Light rail professionals recently completed the UK Light Rail Systems Overhead Line Training Course, designed to strengthen practical skills and knowledge in maintaining tramway overhead line equipment.

This week, light rail professionals from across the UK and Ireland came to Birmingham for the annual UKTram and Light Rail Safety & Standards Board (LRSSB) Summit. The eighth Summit, which took place at Austin Court in Birmingham on Wednesday, 16th September, focused on the theme Smarter Systems, Stronger Networks, with speakers looking at the opportunities driving the sector forward.

This week UKTram attended an international webinar in which the Turku Tramway in Finland and a new method of evaluating its environmental impact were discussed. From vote to tracks – the webinar on the development of Turku’s Tramway, was held online on 7th September and provided an insightful update on the project.

UKTram submitted a comprehensive response to the call for evidence, drawing on expertise from its team, members, partners and Functional Groups. The submission highlighted opportunities to create a consistent approach to mass transit delivery, retain skills and expertise between projects, and address challenges earlier in developing new schemes.

With less than a week to go, final preparations are underway for the UKTram and LRSSB 2026 Summit, as the light rail sector prepares to meet in Birmingham for a packed day of insight and networking. Taking place on Wednesday, September 16th at IET Birmingham: Austin Court, this year’s sold-out Summit will explore the theme Smarter Systems, Stronger Networks, with speakers from across light rail, transport, academia, safety and innovation.

UKTram is pleased to welcome AtkinsRéalis as its latest member, adding extensive engineering, project delivery and systems integration expertise to the growing UKTram community. AtkinsRéalis works across the full lifecycle of light rail projects, supporting clients from early-stage planning and business case development through design, construction, commissioning, operations and long-term maintenance.

UKTram has submitted its response to the Mass Transit Taskforce's call for evidence, setting out a series of recommendations aimed at helping the UK deliver mass transit schemes more efficiently and sustainably.

The light rail and transport sector can expect a busy September, featuring a full schedule of events that provide opportunities to share knowledge and innovation and talk about the key priorities influencing the future of the industry.

More than 50 organisations have backed a joint statement coordinated by UKTram partner Campaign for Better Transport, calling for urgent action to increase the use of sustainable transport and improve the resilience of networks in response to climate change.