Light Rail Round-up: Public Transport Masterplans, Metro Upgrades and Passenger Perks - 4th July 2025

In this week’s light rail round-up: Blackpool celebrates a month of dance with festival-ready transport, TfL marks 25 years with young ‘Superfans’, Manchester prepares for Oasis' homecoming shows, Nottingham introduces new digital-first ticketing updates, while essential Metro upgrades announced in South Tyneside. Plus, the LRSSB podcast hits a global milestone and Network Rail launches a new hub to support future tram train projects. Blackpool Transport supports Capital of Dance with travel options

Throughout July, Blackpool comes alive with over 180 dance-inspired events as the Capital of Dance festival takes over venues across the town. With performances, workshops, seafront pop-ups and a world record disco attempt, there’s something for everyone. Blackpool Transport is encouraging visitors to travel by tram or bus, with real-time service tracking and flexible group tickets making it easier than ever to enjoy the full programme. TfL marks 25th anniversary with young ‘Superfans’ taking over station announcements

Image Credit: TfL

To celebrate 25 years of Transport for London, 25 young ‘Superfans’ were selected from hundreds of competition entries to record special birthday messages broadcast across the network. The winning children will also enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, a private event at the London Transport Museum and feature in a celebratory poster campaign. The initiative highlights TfL’s legacy of inspiring young Londoners while showcasing the next generation of transport enthusiasts. Public transport masterplan in place for Oasis’ Heaton Park gigs

As Manchester prepares for Oasis' highly anticipated Heaton Park comeback, Transport for Greater Manchester has launched a robust public transport plan to support over 300,000 gig-goers. With trams running every six minutes and dedicated shuttle buses from the city centre, fans are urged to plan ahead to make the most of the travel options on offer. TfGM’s message is clear: beat the traffic and don’t miss a minute of this historic music moment. NET encourages digital travel with Short Hop fare update

From Monday 7 July, Nottingham Express Transit will increase the price of Short Hop tickets purchased from ticket machines by 50p, taking them to £2.00. However, contactless payments for the same journeys will remain at £1.50, as part of NET’s wider strategy to encourage more sustainable, digital-first travel. The move builds on the success of the ‘Tap On, Tap Off’ system introduced last year, which offers passengers a quicker, greener way to travel across the city.

All other fares remain unchanged, and customers can continue to enjoy seasonal offers, including discounts for students and annual pass holders. South Yorkshire Supertram teams up with Sheffield Cathedral for dog calendar contest

Sheffield Cathedral and Supertram are on the lookout for 12 canine stars for their 2026 dog calendar, launched as part of the #StrikeAPaws competition running from 30 June to 11 July. Organised by Sheffield’s beloved 1554 Coffee and Gift Shop, the initiative celebrates its tenth anniversary by honouring the community’s most photogenic pups.

Winners will receive a professional photoshoot inside the Cathedral, treats for both dogs and owners, a Supertram pass, and a starring role in the 2026 calendar. Essential upgrades to Tyne and Wear Metro set for August

A key section of the Tyne and Wear Metro between Hebburn and South Shields will close for five days from Monday 4 to Friday 8 August for vital investment in the overhead power system. As part of Nexus’ ongoing Asset Renewal Programme, 1,600 metres of new contact wire will be installed between Bede and Tyne Dock to improve long-term network reliability.

A frequent replacement bus service (Route 900) will operate during the closure, helping customers stay connected. Nexus has invested nearly £1 billion into modernising the Metro over the past 15 years, supporting everything from new trains to structural repairs across the network. Passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys during this short-term disruption. Discounted tram travel extended for Birmingham hospital passengers

West Midlands Metro has extended its discounted tram travel offer for patients, families and staff at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital for another three months. Launched in April, the trial provides up to 15% off across all Metro zones, including on weekly and monthly passes. The initiative has already proven popular, offering a more affordable and stress-free travel option during hospital visits. With easy access from Bull Street stop and over 700 Park and Ride spaces, the scheme continues to support both patient experience and staff commutes. Discount codes are available via hospital QR posters and internal communications. Transdev Ireland supports Dublin Pride

Image Credit: Transdev Ireland

Transdev Ireland once again stepped out in support of Dublin Pride, with a strong team presence in this year’s parade. The celebration highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, allyship and equality, both on and off the Luas network. With a clear message that their doors are open to all, Transdev reaffirmed its support for LGBTQI+ colleagues and customers. The team extended thanks to everyone who helped represent Luas and Transdev on the day.

‘Let’s Talk Light Rail’ podcast hits global milestone

The LRSSB’s podcast series, Let’s Talk Light Rail, has reached its first anniversary, clocking over 1,000 combined listens and views across platforms including Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts. Covering a wide range of industry topics such as tram simulator tech, safety campaigns and network extensions, the series offers an informal yet insightful look into sector developments. Hosted by LRSSB’s Carly Swift, the podcast now enjoys a growing international audience, with listeners tuning in from as far afield as the US, Australia and Europe. With new episodes in production, it's proving to be a valuable resource for light rail professionals worldwide. New Tram Train Learning Hub launched by Network Rail

Network Rail has unveiled an enhanced Tram Train Learning Hub, providing a central resource for those involved in planning and delivering tram train projects. Drawing on lessons from the pioneering Sheffield Tram Train pilot, the platform brings together practical insights and technical knowledge to support future schemes. The hub aims to strengthen understanding across the sector and ensure key learnings are shared widely. It’s a valuable tool for professionals working to expand tram train services in the UK. 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 10th July, 12PM.