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.

UKTram has supported research into climate resilience on Gothenburg’s tramway network, sharing knowledge and best practice from across the UK light rail sector with a team working on behalf of Gothenburg Municipality.

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

The shortlist for the 2026 Global Light Rail Awards has been revealed, recognising the people, projects and organisations making an impact across the international light rail sector – with UKTram among those shortlisted.

As part of the ongoing work to develop a closer working relationship between Nexus Tyne & Wear Metro and Network Rail Operations & Maintenance, Nexus have become the first organisation to implement a joint ‘Operational Interface Management Methodology’ (OIMM) document with Network Rail.

UKTram welcomes Railway Assurance as its newest member, bringing additional systems engineering and safety assurance expertise to our expanding community. Established in 2008, Railway Assurance is a specialist provider of systems engineering, safety assurance and interoperability services across the rail and light rail sectors.

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.

UKTram is delighted to welcome Pro Rail Services as the latest organisation to join the association. Founded 14 years ago, Pro Rail Services is a family-owned and operated specialist infrastructure contractor delivering permanent way, civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, specialist surveying, drainage, infrastructure monitoring, on-track plant (OTP), rail plant hire and rail support services across the UK and Ireland.

UKTram is proud to be supporting the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association by sponsoring an ambitious charity cycling challenge from Land's End to John o' Groats. Claire O'Kane and her partner, Matt Price, will cycle almost 900 miles in just five days, averaging around 180 miles a day as they take on one of the UK's most demanding endurance rides to raise funds for the charity.

UKTram is encouraging members to contribute to the Government's Mass Transit Taskforce Call for Evidence, helping shape the future of mass transit delivery across the UK. The newly established Taskforce has been created to examine how mass transit schemes can be planned, funded and delivered more effectively, while exploring the economic, social and environmental benefits they bring to towns and cities.

In the round-up this week: free tram travel supports families across South Yorkshire, Blackpool Transport prepares for its annual airshow and KeolisAmey Docklands reinforces its commitment to accessible travel. Plus, a new Metro train features in Newcastle United’s latest kit launch, Damien Chabas joins the LRSSB board and calls for West Yorkshire tram funding gain media attention. Fatboy Slim visits Volk’s Electric Railway and updates from UKTram's Heritage Tramway Committe

The UKTram & Light Rail Safety & Standards Board (LRSSB) Summit 2026 has officially sold out, with delegates from across the light rail sector set to gather in Birmingham for another year. Taking place on Wednesday, 16th September at IET Birmingham: Austin Court, this year's Summit is centred around the theme 'Smarter Systems, Stronger Networks', exploring how collaboration and shared learning continue to shape the sector’s journey.

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.

UKTram encourages members and partners to participate in Time for Trams 2026, a national event focused on accelerating light rail and mass transit delivery across the UK. Organised by Landor LINKS and Tram Network, the event will be held on Thursday, 24 September 2026 at the Coventry Technology Centre, following the Department for Transport's Better Connected: Integrated Transport Strategy.

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

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.

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.

UKTram welcomes Arup as its newest member, a global consultancy with more than 80 years of experience, delivering sustainable transport solutions worldwide through integrated strategy, planning, engineering and design.

West Midlands Metro shortlisted for national award, Luas launches campaign celebrating its impact on Dublin and Edinburgh Trams to operate extra services for Nations Championship. Plus, Manchester Metrolink urges passengers to plan ahead during engineering works, Supertram prepares for Sheffield Grand Prix and Nottingham showcases light rail experience at conference. Heritage highlights this week include Horse Tramway welcomes King Charles for 150th anniversary

UKTram attended the latest RailEI Technical Board meeting on 8th July, joining fellow corporate members to discuss engineering developments, professional standards and the future of skills across the rail industry.