UK and Ireland Tram and Ligh Rail Round-up: KeolisAmey Docklands announces new charity partners, KeolisAmey Metrolink recognised at international Keolis awards, Blackpool heritage tram trip supports residents living with dementia and Edinburgh Trams marks 12 years of service. Plus, Luas tram returns to service following extensive restoration, Glasgow Subway expands digital payment options and West Midlands Metro encourages Pride visitors to travel by tram. Keep reading for

UKTram recently attended the online webinar Flow on Rails: Preparing Kiel for the 2030 Light Rail Rollout, which explored how the German city is working towards reintroducing light rail after more than four decades without a tram system.

UKTram is pleased to welcome Octavius Infrastructure and Navitas Engineering to its growing membership network, further strengthening collaboration across the light rail, rail and integrated transport sectors.

On the 21st and 22nd of May, the sessions provided an opportunity for engineers, operators and supply chain representatives from across the sector to share updates, discuss operational challenges and exchange best practice, both in person and online.

Blackpool Transport is planning to further strengthen its senior management team by creating a new Head of Projects and Renewals role. The bus and tram operator is now recruiting for the post, and says it is looking for a confident, commercially aware and delivery-focused individual with strong technical, commercial and organisational skills. They should also have previous experience of project or renewals management.

UKTram is supporting undergraduate student Lewis Drury-Tuck with research for his dissertation examining public perceptions of light rail systems and their wider impact on towns and cities. The study explores how the public views the role of light rail in areas including economic development, regeneration and modal shift, alongside wider attitudes towards sustainable urban transport.

UKTram Managing Director James Hammett attended the Rail Forum Parliamentary Reception last month, joining colleagues from across the wider rail and transport industry for discussions on the future direction of UK rail policy and investment.

In the UK and Ireland tram and light rail round-up this week: West Midlands Metro renews Pride travel partnership, Runner prepares to become first woman to complete Tyne and Wear Metro route challenge and Supertram launches community volunteer programme across South Yorkshire. Plus, KeolisAmey Docklands launches search for new charity partners, Leeds regeneration plans linked to future West Yorkshire mass transit network and Edinburgh Trams marks first anniversary of Tap On,

Members of the Mixed-Use Railway (MUR) community met in Stourbridge this week to discuss the future direction of the initiative, alongside the launch of a new industry webpage hosted by UKTram. Held at the Bonded Warehouse on Monday, 18th May, the meeting brought together organisations involved in the growing cross-industry initiative, which promotes a more integrated and flexible approach to rail development.

Last week, UKTram representatives participated in two industry events, contributing to discussions on the future of light rail and integrated transport networks in the UK. Both events highlighted the growing momentum in the light rail sector and offered valuable opportunities to engage with organisations involved in infrastructure, engineering, operations, innovation, and regional transport development.

In this week's UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail Round-up: NET strengthens operational and safety leadership with new appointment, next phase of Manchester Metrolink infrastructure investment set to begin and Blackpool Tramway introduces timetable changes to improve punctuality. Plus, Edinburgh Trams partners with charity to introduce onboard emergency bandage kits, Keolis calls for ‘Great British Light Rail’ approach to urban transport and emergency services training exerci

A group of tram and railway enthusiasts from North America recently visited Blackpool as part of a wider tour exploring light rail and heritage tramway systems across the British Isles. Organised with support from UKTram Heritage Tramway Committee Vice Chair Ian Longworth, the visit formed part of a wider programme coordinated for members of the Electric Railroad Association, with visitors travelling from across the United States and Canada.