Industry voices unite for light rail roundtable

UKTram Chair Steve Edwards recently joined key industry voices for a light rail roundtable hosted by the Rail Forum, held as part of a wider rail immersion programme for Mike Hill, Deputy Director Rail & Maritime at the Department for Business and Trade.

The session, which brought together representatives from across the sector, was an opportunity to support light rail's unique benefits and potential within the UK’s wider transport strategy.

Discussions focused on the economic value of light rail, including its contribution to regeneration and sustainable growth. Attendees explored the importance of light rail in enhancing connectivity within integrated transport networks, as well as the challenges associated with rising costs, particularly where systems lack standardisation.

The long-term return on investment for light rail was also highlighted, with an emphasis on its self-sustaining nature once in operation. A consistent message throughout was the need for strong collaboration between government, local authorities and industry to reduce complexity and align priorities.

Steve Edwards praised the open dialogue and the collaborative spirit of the discussion:

“It’s encouraging to see light rail firmly on the agenda in conversations around transport investment, skills and sustainability. Sessions like this are a chance to share lived experience across the sector and build consensus around practical next steps.”

The session included input from Sarah Turner (NET Nottingham Trams), Cath Leech (Anturas) and Joshua Brown (Hitachi Rail), with Mike Hill and Ivan Youd engaging in a constructive discussion on the future of urban mobility.

We’re excited to formally launch our new collaborative partnership with Rail Forum next month.