Weekly Light Rail News | Tram testing, Public consultations & Conference Highlights | 8 August 2025
- UKTram
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 7
This week’s light rail news includes enhanced tram services for Blackpool’s Airshow, all-night travel options for Oasis fans in Edinburgh, progress on Birmingham’s Eastside extension and ticketing upgrades from Nexus. Plus, TfGM's £1.6bn procurement drive, Yorkshire Day celebrations with Supertram, feedback requested for DLR extension and Great North Run wristbands for passengers. Work begins on new Metro ticket gate installation in Tyne and Wear
Nexus has started work on installing new automatic ticket gates at Regent Centre Metro station, part of a £2.1m investment from North East Mayor Kim McGuinness aimed at improving public transport safety. The upgrade, the first of its kind in over a decade, will support efforts to reduce fare evasion and improve safety for all passengers, particularly women and girls. A feasibility study is also underway to identify further stations for gate installation across the network.
TfL seeks feedback on DLR extension to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead
Transport for London has launched a public consultation on its preferred option to extend the DLR from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside. The proposed route includes new stations, a river tunnel and elevated viaducts, supporting development areas and improving cross-river connectivity. Residents and stakeholders can share their views until 17 August 2025. Metro network expansion creates new career opportunities
West Midlands Metro is recruiting for a range of roles to support its latest phase of growth, as overnight tram testing begins on the Birmingham Eastside extension. The expansion towards Millennium Point is creating new opportunities across operations, engineering and project delivery as is aimed at attracting local talent to join the team ahead of the line’s launch. Blackpool Transport to boost tram services for Air Show weekend
Blackpool Transport is enhancing its tram services this weekend (9–10 August) to support the town’s popular air show, with extra trams running between Manchester Square and Starr Gate, and from North Station to Fleetwood.
Due to promenade closures, a split tram service will be in place between midday and 6.30pm with additional buses on standby to meet demand. Travellers are encouraged to use the Blackpool Transport app for discounted group tickets and faster boarding, while customer assistants in pink uniforms will be on hand throughout the weekend to provide journey support. Edinburgh Trams prepares for Oasis reunion with all-night services
Edinburgh Trams is ready to welcome thousands of concertgoers as Oasis bring their highly anticipated reunion tour to Murrayfield this week.
Extra trams will run before and after each show, with all-night services operating on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 August, and late departures on Tuesday 12 August. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets in advance or use contactless Tap On/Tap Off at tram stops. Park & Ride and rail connections are also being promoted to ease congestion. TfGM launches procurement process for Metrolink and rail infrastructure contract
Transport for Greater Manchester has launched the procurement process for a major infrastructure contract worth up to £1.6bn over 12 years. The scope includes Metrolink asset renewals, potential stop improvements, line extensions, rail accessibility schemes and supporting infrastructure for next-generation vehicles.
Initial market engagement is now open, with TfGM inviting supplier feedback on delivery models and bundling approaches to maximise efficiency and minimise disruption across the Bee Network. Successful overnight tram tests ahead of Eastside extension launch
Trams have reached Millennium Point for the first time during overnight testing on the Birmingham Eastside extension, marking a major milestone in the project. The new stops will connect key destinations including Moor Street Station, Millennium Point and Birmingham City University. Full passenger services are expected to begin this autumn following driver training and final timetable testing. Brass band brings Yorkshire Day cheer to Supertram passengers
Sheffield Cathedral tram stop came to life on Yorkshire Day as Diggle Community Brass entertained passengers with a mix of classic and modern hits. The band’s performance celebrated the region’s rich musical heritage, while Conductors and trams proudly displayed the iconic Yorkshire Rose.
The event marked more than a year since Supertram returned to public ownership under SYMCA, and highlighted the network’s continued commitment to community engagement. Great North Run travel wristbands now available from Nexus
Nexus has launched its popular Great North Run Rover wristbands for 2025, offering unlimited travel across Metro, bus and ferry for just £6.50 on race day.
Backed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, the wristbands aim to support runners, spectators and volunteers with flexible, subsidised transport across the region. Wristbands are available online until 29 August, with a paper ticket option on sale from 11 August at Metro ticket machines. Pre Metro operations release Q2 2025 update
Pre Metro has released its Q2 2025 update, highlighting a smooth leadership transition with the appointment of new Chairman Steve Jasper and continued momentum for the proposed ‘Dasher’ VLR link between Stourbridge and Dudley.
The update also reflects on growing political support for locally led rail solutions, including a visit from Dudley MP Sonia Kumar. UKTram updates UKTram and LRSSB reveal full agenda for 2025 Light Rail Summit
We are pleased to announce that the agenda for this year's UKTram and LRSSB Light Rail Summit has been released. The day promises a dynamic mix of sector updates bringing together policy, operations, engineering and safety professionals to explore the role of light rail in future mobility. Speaker spotlights are now rolling out on LinkedIn.
UKTram outlines strategic blueprint at 2025 UK Light Rail Conference
UKTram was proud to sponsor, exhibit and present at this year’s UK Light Rail Conference in Leeds, contributing to sector-wide conversations on innovation and collaboration. The event featured engaging sessions on digital transformation, major projects and AI-driven demand mapping, alongside reflections from emerging voices in the sector.
Highlights included the presenting of UKTram’s evolving strategic blueprint and a passionate panel on investing in the next generation of light rail professionals. Full details in our latest blog. The next round-up will be published on Friday 22nd August, to be included in the next round-up or the Members News section of the UKTram website, please send your press releases, event updates and career opportunities to chelsea.branch@uktram.co.uk by Thursday 21st August, 12PM.
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