In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Sheffield Supertram introduces bodycams, patronage bounces back in the West Midlands, fare increase in Edinburgh, the voice of Tyne & Wear Metro revealed, and LRSSB and NET celebrate women in light rail. UKTram
An event in Manchester this week has highlighted the opportunities for light rail as part of the integrated transport networks of the future.
UKTram was one of the official supporters of Interchange 25, and Managing Director James Hammett said it offered a fascinating insight into the ability of intelligent transport system infrastructure to benefit society, the economy and the environment.
Sheffield Supertram
Supertram has implemented a new body camera operation policy, requiring all onboard conductors to use body cameras. This decision marks a significant step in enhancing safety and security for both staff and passengers.
The new policy follows a successful trial period in which conductors were given the option to wear body cameras, first introduced in Autumn 2023.
Since the initial rollout, staff members have reported feeling safer while wearing the devices, and the presence of body cameras has proven to be an effective deterrent against anti-social behaviour. For the full story, click here.
NET
NET Nottingham Trams is shining a spotlight on the women driving change in transport, as part of its commitment to promoting diversity in the industry.
For International Women’s Day, four women from across the organisation have shared their experiences, helping to challenge stereotypes and inspire others to pursue careers in the sector. NET is committed to encouraging more women into transport roles by highlighting the diverse career paths available and supporting progression within the sector.
For the full story, click here.
West Midlands Metro
The West Midlands Metro is more popular than ever, with tram passenger numbers now higher than they were before the Covid pandemic.
New data from the Department for Transport (DfT) shows 8.3 million journeys were made in the past year, a 53.7 per cent increase over 2023, and passing the 8 million recorded in 2019.
This increase in passenger numbers follows significant investments in the Metro system, including the Westside Extension in Birmingham, which added three new stops in 2022, and the Wolverhampton city centre extension, which now provides seamless connection with the railway and bus stations. To read more, click here.
Edinburgh Trams
Edinburgh Trams has announced an increase in ticket prices, in line with its sister company, Lothian Buses. This is the first time since 2023 that fares have changed and reflects the increased operational costs faced by the operator in the last two years.
The fare changes, which will come into effect from the start of service on Sunday, April 6, will see the cost of an Adult Single fare rise from £2 to £2.20, and an Adult Return fare rise from £3.80 to £4.20. Day Tickets will also increase by 50p, to £5.50.
Proportional fare increases will apply to all tickets, and full details can be found here.
Tyne & Wear Metro
The voice behind Metro’s on-board announcements can be revealed for the first time.
Mark Bryant, a professional voiceover artist, has been recording Metro’s automatic announcements for 15 years.
Mark’s warm and soothing voice is broadcast daily on board the trains, providing essential route information and station names for thousands of customers. Up until now only his friends and family have known that it’s him, but you can read more about his story here.
Heritage Blackpool Tramtown, the home of Blackpool’s heritage trams, has launched its new season with a whole new tour experience.
From Easter, visitors will be able to visit the tram engineering works within an exhibition hall experience. giving visitors the freedom and time to walk around the exhibition and see the history of Blackpool’s rich tram heritage.
Paul Galley, Tramtown volunteer coordinator, said he was delighted that Tramtown has survived all the challenges thrown at it and it’s stronger as a result.
Through the hard work of our amazing volunteers this new visitor experience will not only save Blackpool’s heritage trams, it will help regenerate the wider Bloomfield area, and you can find out more here.
LRSSB
The contribution of women to the ongoing success of light rail has been highlighted in a new podcast featuring some of the leading female voices within the sector.
To mark International Women’s Day this month, the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board has dedicated the latest instalment of its popular podcast series to celebrating increasing diversity within a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Sophie Allison, Managing Director of West Midlands Metro, Sarah Singh, Head of Service Delivery at Edinburgh Trams, and Sarah Higgins, Operations Director at Transport for Wales offer their own views on what can be done to attract more women into light rail.
For the full story, and a link to the podcast, click here.
To be included in the next round-up or the Members News section of the UKTram website, send your press releases to info@uktram.org.
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