Light Rail Operators Committee (LROC) explore technology, operational learning and future skills

Light rail operators from across the UK and Ireland shared experiences, emerging challenges and examples of innovation at the latest meeting of UKTram’s Light Rail Operations Committee. Held in Birmingham ahead of the UKTram and LRSSB Summit, the third LROC meeting of the year gave members an opportunity to hear about developments across different networks and explore areas where experience and ideas can be shared across the sector.

The meeting opened with a presentation from Mark Babington, OCC & Security Manager at West Midlands Metro, who shared how the network is exploring CCTV analytics, AI and other technological developments to support its operations.

Members heard how West Midlands Metro is making more effective use of its existing CCTV infrastructure, applying additional analytics to support functions including forensic searches and heat mapping for passenger flows.

Mark also highlighted the value of working with partner organisations, with the Metro able to access additional camera feeds around the network to help provide a more complete operational picture. Rather than developing technology from scratch, the approach is also exploring how solutions already used in other sectors can be adapted for light rail.

The presentation prompted further discussion among LROC members about the technology and how similar approaches could potentially support other networks. 

The meeting also explored a range of other operational topics, including the potential impact of autonomous technology on light rail. Members heard about international work considering the requirements for autonomous tram operation before discussing how autonomous road vehicles could also present new considerations for tramways, especially where systems interact with other road users.  

Luas also demonstrated the value of sharing experience between networks, as it has been exploring measures to reduce the risk of trap-and-drag incidents. An information request to fellow operators generated examples of approaches and technology being used elsewhere, providing further options for the Dublin network to consider.

Alongside these discussions, operators shared developments and experiences from their individual systems, providing opportunities to compare approaches and identify common issues facing networks.

Skills and workforce development also featured, following discussions at the previous LROC meeting about attracting the next generation into light rail. UKTram updated members on work with apprenticeship organisations, alongside plans to gather further insight from operators on existing routes into the sector and successful approaches that could be shared more widely.

Steve Duckering, UKTram Operations Manager, said: 

“There was a lot for members to take away from this meeting, and this exchange of experience is one of the LROC’s strengths. An idea or solution developed on one system can start a conversation that helps another, while the challenges members raise can draw on expertise across the group." 

Graham Fitzgerald, Chair of LROC, added: 

“LROC benefits from having a huge amount of experience shared around the table and another strong turnout in Birmingham led to some really good conversations. As newly appointed Chair, I’m looking at how we can make the most of the time we have together, giving operators the opportunity to share what is working well, discuss the challenges they are facing and learn from the experience of colleagues across the sector and I look forward to continuing those conversations when the group meets again in December.” 

The next meeting of the Light Rail Operations Committee will take place in Cardiff, hosted by Transport for Wales in December.