Collaboration and future talent take centre stage at latest Light Rail Operators Committee meeting

Members of UKTram’s Light Rail Operators Committee (LROC) met on the 25th of June to discuss workforce development and share best practice for its second meeting of 2026. The session, initially scheduled at London Tram depot, was moved online due to disruptions from the recent heatwave and rail service cancellations.

Graham Fitzgerald was formally welcomed as Chair and Trevor Stocker as Vice Chair. UKTram congratulated both on their appointments and thanked them for their commitment to supporting collaboration within the Light Rail community.

A recurring theme throughout these meetings is the operators' openness to learn from one another. Members shared examples of how networks continue to seek advice and practical support from colleagues across the UK and Ireland when developing new projects or dealing with challenges.

Members provided several examples of collaboration in action. West Midlands Metro reflected on the value of learning directly from other systems, including its recent engagement with Dublin's Luas network, while further highlighting how colleagues at KeolisAmey Metrolink provided practical support following an operational incident by supplying specialist recovery equipment. Operators from across the UK and Ireland provided updates on major infrastructure renewals, future expansion projects, passenger growth, and preparations for significant engineering works.

Coventry Very Light Rail provided an update on its demonstrator programme, reflecting ongoing innovation within the sector.

In addition to operational updates, members discussed workforce development and the need for clear pathways into the industry. They reviewed potential changes to driver apprenticeships and scoped interest in these programs, supporting efforts to attract new talent and ensure training meets evolving operational needs.

Building on this, UKTram shared details of a new piece of work aimed at developing a clearer picture of how operators currently engage with young people and promote careers in light rail.

Working with members across the sector, UKTram is beginning to gather examples of school engagement, careers events, apprenticeships, work experience opportunities, and other initiatives already underway across networks. The intention is to understand common challenges and explore opportunities to develop guidance and shared resources that can benefit the whole industry. 

The discussion also highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the diverse career opportunities available in light rail to attract future talent.

Members also learned that Nottingham Express Transit’s Operation Safety Net initiative is being considered by the Department for Transport as a potential example of industry best practice, demonstrating how effective initiatives from individual systems can inform broader sector approaches.

Reflecting on his appointment and the importance of the committee, LROC Chair Graham Fitzgerald said:

“The Light Rail Operators Committee has always been about operators supporting operators. Every network has its own challenges, but when we come together to share our experiences, we can learn from each other and work together to improve the sector as a whole. I’m looking forward to building on the group’s openness and ensuring LROC continues to be the successful forum it’s been built up to be over the years.’’

Through forums such as LROC, UKTram continues to provide a space where operators can learn from one another and support best practice across the light rail sector.