KeolisAmey Metrolink recently brought together colleagues from across the business for an Extended Leadership Team Day. The event provided an opportunity to connect, reflect and learn, with a strong focus on safety and wellbeing.

A leading figure in the transport sector has announced that she’s set to retire later this year after a successful career in trains, trams and buses. Jane Cole OBE joined Blackpool Transport as Managing Director in 2015, and under her leadership, it has enjoyed remarkable success over the past decade, including an impressive collection of industry awards

In the final light rail round-up of January 2026: Blackpool Transport takes tram safety messages into local schools, Transport for London sets out plans for tram fleet replacement and DLR extensions and West Yorkshire launches consultation on aligning Mass Transit with future development. Plus, international collaboration on major event readiness at DLR, funding secured to restart Heaton Park Tramway, student travel offers and service updates from NET, heritage investment and

UKTram has confirmed the appointment of new and returning Board members following its Annual General Meeting, held on Wednesday, 28th January 2026, as the organisation continues to strengthen leadership and long-term direction for the light rail sector. 

Young Rail Professionals West Midlands will host a Question Time–style panel discussion in February, exploring the role of politics, policy and regional decision-making in shaping the future of rail across the West Midlands. 

UKTram attended an online seminar on Coventry Very Light Rail on 22nd January 2026, delivered as part of a joint event hosted by the Institution of Civil Engineers West Midlands (Coventry and Warwickshire branch) and the Railway Civil Engineers Association. 

In this week’s UK and Ireland light rail news round-up: Keolis Nottingham to attend Nottingham Jobs Fair with tram roles available, Luas confirms St Brigid’s Day Bank Holiday service arrangements and Salford transport plans aim to improve tram integration and interchange. Plus, Tyne and Wear Metro line major renewal work, Colas Rail UK secures Light Rail contract awards as part Midland Metro Alliance and Edinburgh Trams highlights another record-breaking year in 2025.

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.