DfT funding boost secures continued support for UK light rail sector

Funding agreement provides long-term support for UKTram and LRSSB activity across the sector

Renewed funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) will enable two organisations at the heart of the UK’s light rail sector to continue their vital work. The Light Rail Safety and Standards Board and UKTram have both welcomed an agreement that will see them share a total of £4.5 million over the next three years.

Carl Williams, LRSSB Chief Executive, commented: “This continuation of funding from the DfT represents a huge vote of confidence in the work we’ve already done to enhance tramway safety standards. This includes the development of a sector-wide incident reporting system and advanced modelling as part of a wider risk management and mitigation framework.

“Moving forward, it will enable us to continue publishing new and updated safety guidance on all aspects of tramway design and operations, while delivering on a host of other innovative projects that embrace the latest technologies.”

UKTram, the sector’s representative organisation, will also benefit from the funding, with Managing Director James Hammett noting that it will support continued delivery across the light rail community.

“We are extremely grateful for this support from the DfT, and for its recognition of the light rail’s importance as a sustainable mode of urban transport, both now and in the future,” he said.

“This funding provides greater certainty as we continue to support members and the wider sector. It allows us to maintain momentum across our work and ensure we are responding to the needs of a growing and evolving industry.’’

“It also enables us to continue sharing insight across networks and facilitating collaboration through our functional groups and engagement with key stakeholders.”