In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Chancellor’s record-breaking investment announced for networks nationwide, UKTram visits Coventry’s VLR demonstration line, LiveChat function to improve safety on Manchester’s Bee Network, and Edinburgh Trams reflects on 11 milestones for its 11th anniversary.

In a landmark move for the light rail sector, the Chancellor has announced the largest-ever investment in local transport across England’s city regions.  

On Tuesday, 3rd June, at the London Transport Museum, UKTram joined colleagues from across the industry to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Women in Transport, a landmark event reflecting two decades of progress.

Senior light rail engineers and sector professionals came together last week for two half days of valuable discussion and knowledge-sharing at the latest UKTram Light Rail Engineering Group (LREG) meeting and Best Practice session. 

UKTram is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Hopkinson, Head of Metro Operations at Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) as the new Chair of the Owners and Authorities Group.

West Midlands Metro is expanding its team with three exciting opportunities now available at its Wednesbury Depot, each playing a vital role in delivering safe, reliable and customer-focused tram services across the region.

Edinburgh Trams celebrates successful launch of 'ToTo', Nexus receives prestigious RoSPA Gold Award for safety, West Midlands Metro supports Birmingham Pride with discounted travel, New LRSSB guidance outlines safety verification processes and Snaefell seeks engineers with a love of heritage transport.

Following previous discussions during a UKTram Light Rail Operators Committee (LROC) meeting, the light rail sector is being encouraged to support an important national initiative aimed at helping those sleeping rough.

The Department of Infrastructure on the Isle of Man is currently recruiting for an Electrical / Mechanical Rolling Stock Fitter to join their depot engineering team – working on one of the most distinctive and historic rail operations in the British Isles.

West Midlands Metro celebrates a trio of award wins in Dudley, Luas connects with passengers through its latest ‘Meet the Manager’ event, LRSSB spotlights simulator innovation in its latest podcast, plus, 25 years of London Trams.

The latest meeting of the UKTram Executive Group brought together senior leaders from across the sector to share insight, review progress and explore collaborative responses to current challenges and opportunities.

Edinburgh Trams confirms launch for new ‘Tap on, Tap off’ system, essential engineering works get underway on the Bury line in Manchester, Coventry’s VLR project reaches another key milestone, new play set on the Tyne & Wear Metro and Luas highlights anti-social behaviour reporting tools.

Dan’s new role will help ensure that knowledge-sharing remains central to UKTram’s offer, supporting decision-making and continuous improvement across networks, suppliers and new entrants to the industry.

Tickets for the sixth UKTram and LRSSB Light Rail Summit have now officially sold out, just three and a half days after going live.

UKTram is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Rail Forum. This partnership is an exciting step in strengthening ties between the light and heavy rail sectors while supporting collaboration across the wider UK transport industry.

West Midlands Metro supports race runners and spectators, upgrades to Sheffield Supertram, a busy month ahead for Edinburgh Trams and an update on Tyne & Wear Metro’s new fleet.

We are pleased to announce that tickets for the 2025 Light Rail Summit are now available to book online.

Edinburgh prepares for launch of ‘Tap on, Tap off’ payment system, procurement process for Metrolink operating and maintenance contract, West Midlands Metro offers discount for hospital staff and patients and  NET resumes normal service following maintenance works.

Plans for new pedestrian bridge spanning tram lines in Bury, West Midlands Metro launches Easter competition, BBC report on the Coventry VLR project, maintenance works in Edinburgh, Luas career opportunities and historical horse trams return for the 2025 season.

UKTram Chair Steve Edwards recently joined key industry voices for a light rail roundtable hosted by the Rail Forum, held as part of a wider rail immersion programme for Mike Hill, Deputy Director Rail & Maritime at the Department for Business and Trade.