Final preparations underway for UKTram and LRSSB 2026 Summit
With less than a week to go, final preparations are underway for the UKTram and LRSSB 2026 Summit, as the light rail sector prepares to meet in Birmingham for a packed day of insight and networking.
Taking place on Wednesday, September 16th at IET Birmingham: Austin Court, this year’s sold-out Summit will explore the theme Smarter Systems, Stronger Networks, with speakers from across light rail, transport, academia, safety and innovation.
UKTram Chair Stephen Edwards will open the Summit before Managing Director James Hammett updates attendees on UKTram’s work. The morning programme will also hear from Louise Thornton on Railway Children, the charity supported through this year’s Summit ticket sales, alongside Leo Murray, Co-Founder of Riding Sunbeams, on decarbonising rail traction, and Joanne Smedley, Head of Service Delivery at Keolis Nottingham, on the Try a Tram initiative.
In the afternoon, LRSSB will provide an update on the organisation’s workstreams, while further sessions across the day will explore passenger-focused services, research and innovation, workplace culture, safety, integrated transport and devolution, and the modernisation of the Glasgow Subway. Speakers include representatives from KeolisAmey Docklands, the Universities of Huddersfield and Birmingham, HASSL, Campaign for Better Transport, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and the Office of Rail and Road.
Delegates will also have an opportunity to meet organisations exhibiting at this year’s Summit, including Sika, Mainspring, Waterman Aspen, Pro Rail Services, Transport for West Midlands, Mosdorfer Rail, Pandrol, voestalpine, Getzner, Telent and Women in Transport.
Following the main programme, delegates are invited to continue conversations at an informal drinks reception, buffet and networking session at The Malt House, next door to Austin Court, from 4 pm to 7 pm.
James Hammett, Managing Director of UKTram, said:
“With less than a week to go, we’re looking forward to welcoming colleagues from across the sector to Birmingham for what promises to be another fantastic summit. We have a packed agenda alongside plenty of time for delegates to make connections and hear directly from colleagues working across the industry."
“A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to make the Summit happen, and I’d like to thank the team for their hard work in preparing for this year’s event. I’d also like to thank our speakers and exhibitors for their contribution.''
The 2026 Summit is now fully booked. Anyone who has secured a place but can no longer attend is encouraged to contact UKTram as soon as possible so their place can be offered to someone on the waiting list.
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