Light Rail Round-up: Contactless Upgrades, Clean Air Progress & Collaborative Milestones | 26 July 2025

This week’s news from the light rail sector includes a new long-term partnership for South Yorkshire Supertram, clean air gains from Greater Manchester’s Bee Network and a spotlight on Coventry’s VLR project. Plus, Luas staff safety messages, all-night trams in Edinburgh, major conference moments, new digital ticketing tech and heritage celebrations.

Bee Network investment supports improved air quality across Greater Manchester

Air quality in Greater Manchester continues to improve, with the number of monitored locations exceeding legal nitrogen dioxide limits decreasing from 129 in 2018 to just 38 in 2024.

This progress is supported by the Bee Network’s accelerated investment in public transport. The non-charging, investment-led Clean Air Plan, agreed with the government, aims to meet legal air quality limits by 2026, with updates due at the next Greater Manchester Air Quality Committee meeting on 31 July.

TfL celebrates 25 years with network-wide anniversary branding

Transport for London is marking its 25th anniversary with a series of branded wraps across eight modes of transport, including trams, London Overground, the DLR, and the Elizabeth line. The unified designs celebrate milestones, including the introduction of Oyster in 2003, a fully accessible bus fleet by 2005 and the opening of the Elizabeth line in 2022.

The special livery, which features a commemorative roundel, will remain in place throughout 2025, alongside a broader programme of public events, competitions, and exhibitions. TfL says the initiative highlights the network’s contribution to economic growth, housing, and inclusive mobility over the past 25 years. Edinburgh Trams to operate all-night services during August festivals

Edinburgh Trams has announced the return of its all-night tram services on Friday and Saturday nights throughout August, supporting increased demand during the city’s busy festival season. From 1 August, trams will operate every 30 minutes overnight, between the usual daytime frequencies of 10 and 7 minutes.

The extended timetable will connect key venues such as the Edinburgh Playhouse, Usher Hall and Traverse Theatre, helping passengers navigate events across the city. Ingliston Park & Ride, which offers over 1,000 free spaces, will also remain open overnight while services are running. Supertram launches ‘Tramendous Deals’ in partnership with local businesses

Supertram has introduced a new initiative offering exclusive discounts to customers through its ‘Tramendous Deals’ campaign. Passengers can access offers at cafés, restaurants and local attractions across South Yorkshire by simply presenting a valid tram ticket or app confirmation.

The scheme is designed to strengthen connections with local businesses and add value for passengers, encouraging more tram use. Full details of participating venues are available on the Supertram website. West Yorkshire Mass Transit project reaches new milestone with industry engagement

West Yorkshire Combined Authority recently launched the next phase of its Mass Transit programme, hosting its first Preliminary Market Engagement session last week. The session attracted nearly 150 attendees and marked the beginning of shaping the procurement strategy for Phase 1, covering the Leeds and Bradford lines. Suppliers who registered but missed the live session can still access the recording via the procurement portal, with further engagement opportunities to follow.

Ambitions were further highlighted at the UK Light Rail Conference, where Mayor Tracy Brabin presented the vision for an integrated transport system that combines buses, trains, trams, cycling and walking. Construction is expected to begin in 2028.

SPT relaunches ‘My Glasgow, My Subway’ campaign

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has unveiled a refreshed version of its ‘My Glasgow, My Subway’ campaign, designed to spotlight real passenger journeys and their reasons for choosing the Subway. Featuring themes such as “my girl’s big match” and “my stress-free travel,” the campaign connects emotional motivations with the practical benefits of using the system.

It aims to resonate with both regular passengers and potential new users, reinforcing the Subway’s role in everyday city life. The campaign is now live across social media, billboards, radio and podcasts.

Pre Metro advances plans for Dudley Dasher Very Light Rail link

Pre Metro Operations has shared progress on its proposed Dudley Dasher project. A new Very Light Rail link connecting Stourbridge to Brierley Hill and Dudley via underused freight corridors. Over the past six months, the operator has engaged with regional leaders, MPs and business groups to shape a locally led solution that addresses car dependency and poor transport accessibility in the Black Country.

With an estimated capital cost of £30 million, the project aims to build on the proven success of the Stourbridge Shuttle, offering a low-cost, zero-emission alternative to traditional rail schemes. Pre Metro is now seeking broader support to move the project into delivery. Hitachi Rail signs 15-year tech partnership for Supertram modernisation

Image Credit: South Yorkshire Combined Authority

Rail Business Daily reports South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has signed a 15-year Technology Partner Framework Agreement with Hitachi Rail, securing long-term strategic support for the future of the Supertram network. The partnership will focus on renewing core systems, improving timetable reliability and providing real-time passenger information. As 200 staff are based locally in Doncaster, Hitachi Rail aims to bring its global expertise to the tram network in South Yorkshire.

Contactless payment introduced at five Tyne and Wear Metro park and ride sites

From 21 July, contactless payment is now available at five of the Tyne and Wear Metro’s busiest park and ride sites, as part of a wider upgrade funded by the North East Combined Authority.

Customers can now pay by card at Four Lane Ends, Bank Foot, Northumberland Park, Regent Centre and Stadium of Light, with chip and pin, contactless, and PayByPhone options supported. The investment also includes improved lighting and CCTV to enhance safety and convenience for Metro passengers. Coin-only machines are being removed due to a steady decline in cash use, with further sites expected to be upgraded in the near future.

West Midlands Metro extends partnership with City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

West Midlands Metro has renewed its partnership with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) for a third consecutive year, offering increased travel savings to concertgoers. From this summer, discounts on tram tickets for CBSO event attendees will rise from 10% to 15%, making it easier for audiences to travel sustainably to performances. The Metro network connects directly to key venues, including Symphony Hall and free park-and-ride options are available for those travelling from further afield.

Luas issues reminder on respect for frontline staff

Luas has issued a reminder to passengers to treat all staff with courtesy and respect while travelling. The campaign highlights how customer agents, drivers, security, support teams and staff play a vital role in keeping services running safely and often go above and beyond to assist passengers.

While most customers are respectful, the operator emphasises that verbal, physical and racial abuse will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Passengers are kindly requested to cooperate with staff conducting safety checks and to assist in maintaining a pleasant and respectful environment for all.

Dublin prepares to launch procurement for driverless MetroLink

Transport Infrastructure Ireland is set to begin procurement for Dublin’s long-awaited MetroLink project later this year, according to Railway Gazette. The 18.8 km mostly underground line will connect Swords to Charlemont via the airport and city centre, with 16 stations and capacity for up to 20,000 passengers per hour in each direction.

Market engagement events will be held across Europe in September, offering suppliers a final opportunity to influence procurement before contract notices are issued in November. The €9.5 billion scheme is described as a transformative, high-capacity alternative to Dublin’s existing transport infrastructure. Coventry’s Very Light Rail takes centre stage at national conference

Coventry’s pioneering Very Light Rail (CVLR) system was showcased at this week’s UK Light Rail Conference in Leeds, following the success of recent on-road testing in the city centre. The CVLR team presented the outcomes of its 220-meter demo track installation and participated in a panel on light rail solutions.

Designed to offer a more affordable, rapidly deployable alternative to traditional tramways, the battery-powered system features ultra-thin track and a compact vehicle with low floors and tight turning capability. Coventry City Council and partners are now progressing the next 800-metre section linking the railway station to the University Technology Park.

Heritage

Summer family activities return to Crich Tramway Village

Crich Tramway Village has launched a packed programme of family-friendly events for the summer holidays, running from July 28 to August 8, as reported by British Trams Online. The “Discovery Time” series includes interactive sessions such as building electric tram circuits, willow weaving, and meeting historical characters, all of which are included with return admission tickets.

Alongside these activities, visitors can enjoy vintage tram rides, museum exhibitions, and woodland trails. The museum is now open daily, including Fridays, throughout the summer season until 4 September. Manx Heritage Transport Festival celebrates milestones across the Isle of Man

The Manx Heritage Transport Festival 2025 is now in full swing, running from 22 to 27 July and bringing together six days of transport-themed celebrations across the Isle of Man. Organised by Isle of Man Railways and Bus Vannin, this year’s festival marks the 130th anniversary of the Snaefell Mountain Railway, alongside a host of activities including photography specials, guided track tours, vintage vehicles and motorman taster sessions. Visitors can also enjoy access to depots and workshops, with rare rolling stock in service and unique vehicle combinations. Regular updates throughout the event are being shared on the official Manx Electric Railway Online Facebook page. UKTram UKTram shares sector vision at 19th UK Light Rail Conference

UKTram was proud to participate in the 19th UK Light Rail Conference in Leeds this week, serving as sponsors, exhibitors and speakers. The two-day event brought together leaders and innovators from across the sector to explore future priorities and share insights. Delegates were invited to visit the UKTram and Integrated Human Factors (IHF) stand, where representatives discussed collaborative initiatives and emerging trends.

Chair Stephen Edwards presented "A Vision in Motion: UKTram’s Blueprint for the Next Phase of Light Rail," outlining ambitions to shape sector growth, innovation and modal shift. The session formed part of a packed programme of talks showcasing the direction of travel for the sector. UKTram joins national conversations at ORR’s Year in Rail event

UKTram represented the light rail sector at the Office of Rail and Road’s annual stakeholder event, "A Year in Rail and the Track Ahead", held in London on 17 July. Managing Director James Hammett joined industry leaders to discuss safety, regulation, and sector reform. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration across mainline and light rail, and UKTram was thanked for its ongoing role in shaping national transport conversations.

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, 31st July, 12PM.