International collaboration in tramway safety highlighted at Urban Tram Forum in Amsterdam

UKTram Managing Director, James Hammett, recently attended the 2025 Urban Tram Forum (UTF) annual meeting, held in Amsterdam from 22^nd to the 24^th October and hosted by GVB (Gemeente Gemeentevervoerbedrijf - The Municipal Public Transport Operator for Amsterdam). 

The Urban Tram Forum was established following the successful completion of COST Action TU1103 – Operation and Safety of Tramways Interacting with Urban Space and has continued to grow since 2016. The network now includes experts from Europe, North America, and Australia, providing a unique international platform for collaboration. 

Each annual meeting features technical presentations on current safety and operational topics, followed by in-depth discussions and on-site visits that allow participants to observe local tramway systems first-hand, exploring network design, safety developments and areas of ongoing improvement. 

This year’s sessions explored a range of themes, including the implementation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in Utrecht, STRMTG's tram driver safety research along with fire safety considerations for light electric vehicles in public transport. Attendees also discussed accident investigations and a progress report on the Cerema work, around enhancing platform areas through things like tree planting lighting and improving platform contrast at crossroads. 

Reflecting on the event, James said: 

“The Urban Tram Forum continues to provide a fantastic platform for sharing international experiences and developing practical safety solutions that can be applied across the light rail sector. GVB were extremely welcoming hosts. With even more members joining this year, the opportunity for wider networking and knowledge exchange was a real highlight.” 

As part of ongoing international collaboration, UKTram and the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) plan to visit Utrecht next year to see progress on the city’s ADAS technology trials, which are being closely watched across Europe as a model for improving tram driver support and network safety.