In this week’s news from the light rail sector, – Fare evasion campaign in Nottingham, Manchester Metrolink and Edinburgh Trams gear up for the festive season, West Midlands Metro offers pantomime giveaways, Luas supports International Day of Persons with Disabilities and a new podcast from the LRSSB.
NET
Nottingham’s tram network has refreshed its zero-tolerance campaign for the winter with a range of hard-hitting graphics installed within trams and at tram stops, encouraging people to challenge their misconceptions surrounding fare evasion.
Aiming to crack down on illegal tram travel, the new graphics feature statements such as ‘No one ever checks’, ‘It’s just one stop’ and ‘I was in a rush and forgot about it’ with reminders that fare evasion is a crime that can result in a penalty fare.
The updated messaging comes one year on from the successful launch of NET’s zero tolerance campaign last December, which, due to its ‘no excuses’ approach to tackling fare evasion, saw a 45% month-on-month rise in Penalty Fare Notices issued during the first month of its launch. For the full story, click here.
Edinburgh Trams
With the festive season about to get into full swing, Edinburgh Trams has published its online guide to top Christmas attractions in the city it serves.
With city centre tram stops just a short walk away from most Yuletide activities, the tram offers a convenient way to enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Moreover, visitors and local residents can even further boost their holiday plans with popular ticket deals at discounts at top attractions and venues, such as Edinburgh Dungeon, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, and Hard Rock Café. To find out more, click here.
Manchester Metrolink
Christmas has arrived on the Bee Network, with Santa taking over a tram stop in Manchester city centre and giving it a festive makeover.
Commuters passing Shudehill may have already spotted the tram stop’s new name, “Sleighill”, and Santa wearing a distinctive Bee Network yellow outfit.
The stop will keep its new name throughout November and December, giving commuters a sprinkle of festive cheer in the Christmas run-up; you can read more here.
West Midlands Metro
Anyone off to see The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at the Old Rep Theatre in Birmingham, then forget walking the Yellow Brick Road and take a tram instead!
As the festive season draws near, West Midlands Metro, in partnership with The Old Rep Theatre, is giving six lucky winners the chance to experience the popular pantomime for free—complete with complimentary all-zone travel to the show!
The show opened this week and runs through to December 31, and you can read more here.
Luas
Dublin’s tram network will be supporting International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which takes place this year on December 3.
The day aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and to mobilise support for their dignity, rights, and inclusion in all aspects of society. It serves as a platform to advocate for equal opportunities, accessibility, and the removal of barriers that hinder the full participation of individuals with disabilities in various activities, including public transportation.
In the context of using public transport, such as Luas, International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) emphasises the importance of creating an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone, regardless of their abilities, and you can find the full story here.
LRSSB
Behavioural science's vital role in developing a national pedestrian safety campaign has been highlighted in a new podcast by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board.
The latest episode of ‘Let’s Talk Light Rail’ focuses on the research behind the initiative that aims to reduce the risk of collisions between pedestrians and trams in cities across the UK.
Recording in Manchester, where Metrolink has become the latest network to adopt the message ‘Two Lines = STOP’, it features Joanna Brown from Minefield,
the company that carried out a series of observational studies on behalf of the LRSSB.
In conversation with Carly Swift, LRSSB Marketing and Digital Media Manager, she also explains how the research findings shaped the campaign’s key messages, and you can find out more and a link to the podcast here.
Heritage
The tram service is currently suspended at Beamish, with no trams expected to run until after Sunday, December 1, British Trams Online reports.
The official explanation on the website says this is due to essential maintenance. It’s believed that a broken span wire at Pockerley is to blame for the tram service having to be temporarily suspended.
This will need to be repaired before trams can start running again, with buses continuing to take the slack of heritage transport at the museum, and you can read more here.
Other sector news
Rail Data and Intelligence Limited (RDI), part of Mainspring, organisers of the Global Light Rail Awards and publishers of Tramways and Urban Transit, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Spårvagnsstäderna, the organisation representing Scandinavian light rail systems.
This collaboration will empower Spårvagnsstäderna’s members to access the highly sought-after Global Light Rail Portal at a discounted rate, unlocking invaluable market intelligence and data to elevate their global engagement and decision-making capabilities.
Spårvagnsstäderna members will also benefit from an exclusive 10% discount on their subscription to the Global Light Rail Portal, offering unparalleled access to a comprehensive, real-time database featuring insights on light rail systems, suppliers and market trends from across the globe. To read more, 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.co.uk
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