Campaign for Better Transport report showcases how trams are driving sustainable city transformation

Image Credit: Campaign for Better Transport

A new report from Campaign for Better Transport, Making the Connection: Rail and the sustainable growth opportunity highlights the essential role of rail and light rail in supporting cleaner, better-connected cities. It also features two powerful examples of the mode’s impact and potential.

As a proud Corporate Champion of Campaign for Better Transport, UKTram welcomes the report’s focus on real-world case studies, including Nottingham Trams. The mature, well-integrated system has delivered both economic and environmental benefits, with park-and-ride sites, smart ticketing integration and investment from the local authority. The network continues to reduce congestion and support the city’s carbon reduction goals.

The report also spotlights Cardiff Cross Rail, part of the South Wales Metro programme, which is set to connect employment, education and residential hubs through new light rail links. The scheme demonstrates how trams can underpin urban regeneration and provide affordable, high-capacity transport that reduces car dependency.

These examples underline the importance of light rail in supporting to achieve net zero ambitions as well a boost local economies and deliver the reliable, sustainable transport networks that modern cities demand. The report further highlights light rail as a vital component of sustainable urban transport, describing tram and light rail systems as high-capacity, low-emission networks that attract long-term investment and encourage regeneration, calling for a consistent national approach to unlock further projects.

The full Making the Connection: Rail and the sustainable growth opportunity  report is available now from Campaign for Better Transport.