Light Rail Round-up: Smarter Systems, Secure Journeys and Expanding Services – 28 June 2025

In this week’s light rail round-up: Blackpool announces key leadership appointment, Nottingham strengthens safety initiatives, DLR prepares for the future with new fleet testing and expansion plans, Supertram celebrates a milestone in youth safety education, investment in simulators in the West Midlands, fare updates from the Tyne & Wear Metro and fresh push for better reporting from the LRSSB.

New Tramway Operations and Safety Manager joins Blackpool Transport

Blackpool Transport has appointed Steve Staley as Tramway Operations and Safety Manager ahead of a busy summer season. With over 30 years of experience in tramway operations across the UK and the Middle East, Steve’s extensive background includes senior roles at Manchester Metrolink, Dubai Metro, and most recently, the Riyadh Metro. The appointment comes as the operator rolls out a new 10-minute timetable and prepares for major events, including the World Fireworks Championship and Blackpool Illuminations. The team is set to benefit from his wealth of knowledge as Blackpool’s tramway enters a new phase of service delivery and growth. DLR prepares for new trains and eyes future expansion

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is set for timetable changes from 21 July as it prepares to introduce the first of 54 new trains later this year, according to Rail Advent. Some peak services will be suspended, particularly between Beckton, Stratford International and Lewisham. Customers are advised to check before travelling. These changes, timed during quieter summer months, will support the retirement of older vehicles and ensure continued reliability during the transition. Meanwhile, Transport for London has launched a public consultation on a proposed DLR extension from Gallions Reach to Thameshead, via Beckton Riverside. The plans include two new stations and aim to improve cross-river connectivity and access to jobs and leisure. The consultation runs until 17 August 2025.

London Trams extends track renewal partnership

London Trams has extended its embedded track replacement framework with VolkerRail for another two years, building on a successful collaboration that began in 2012. The extension follows the renewal of over 861 metres of track and seven turnouts across the Croydon network under the current framework, first awarded in 2022. VolkerRail’s specialist expertise in light rail infrastructure has been credited with enhancing the reliability and safety of services across the 28 km network. Construction Index originally reported the news.

Nottingham launches Operation Safenet to boost tram safety

A new pilot scheme, Operation Safenet, has been launched in Nottinghamshire to enhance safety across the NET tram network through closer collaboration between Nottinghamshire Police and Nottingham Express Transit, the tram operator. Led by Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden, the 12-month initiative aims to enhance information sharing, crime prevention, and incident response across the city’s 20-mile tram route.

It includes new research roles, enhanced monitoring via existing help points and CCTV, and builds on NET’s ongoing safety measures. If successful, the scheme could be extended or rolled out to other public transport networks across the region. Supertram strengthens safety education for young people

South Yorkshire Supertram is celebrating a successful first year in the Rail Safe Friendly initiative, becoming the UK’s first light rail operator to join the programme. In partnership with Learn Live, Supertram helped deliver vital safety education to over 6,400 young people across 10 schools in Sheffield, utilising engaging video content and practical advice from tram conductors. The initiative generated more than £180,000 in social value and is supported by Supertram’s broader backing for the LRSSB’s “Two Lines = Stop” national safety campaign. Metro fares update includes cheaper travel with Pop Payg

From 1 July 2025, Metro customers can still unlock the best value travel by switching to Pop Pay As You Go, saving up to £1.60 a day compared to paper tickets. Nexus is also freezing fares for young people and simplifying ticket options to make public transport more accessible and affordable for those under 21. The new fares package supports ongoing investment in the network while keeping costs low for regular users, with the popular Metro Gold Card still offering unlimited off-peak travel for just £1.25 a month. The update follows a short delay to reflect the network’s commitment to customer fairness after the late-2024 disruption. West Midlands Metro boosts training with new control centre simulator

West Midlands Metro is the latest UK operator to enhance tramway safety and efficiency with a cutting-edge control room simulator developed in partnership with the LRSSB. Installed at the Wednesbury Training Academy, the system allows staff to practise real-world incident scenarios in a safe, virtual setting, without disrupting services. It also includes future network extensions, supporting route familiarisation and timetable planning. The £90,000 investment builds on earlier trials by Edinburgh Trams, with the LRSSB now looking to roll out the innovation across more UK networks. TII outlines long-term Luas investment strategy in Eolas feature

As Luas celebrates 20 years of successful service, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is setting bold ambitions for the future of light rail across Dublin and beyond. The network carried 54 million passengers in 2024, consistently exceeding satisfaction targets, and is now set for major expansion, with new trams for the Red and Green lines, an upgraded Red Cow hub and extensions such as Luas Finglas and Luas Cork progressing through planning. TII’s long-term “Luas 2050” vision aims to deliver steady growth in capacity and network reach, supporting wider goals around housing, sustainability and integrated urban development.

Coventry celebrates Very Light Rail trial

Coventry City Council has marked the completion of a successful public trial of its pioneering Very Light Rail (VLR) system, with around 3,000 residents taking a ride on the prototype. The battery-powered vehicle operated on a newly laid track between Greyfriars Road and Queen Victoria Road, showcasing how the system can be embedded within existing roads. Although the prototype vehicle has now been removed, the track will remain in place for further testing, with the area expected to reopen later this year. Following this milestone, plans are progressing to construct an 800m permanent section linking Coventry Railway Station and the university, supported by £12m in DfT funding. LRSSB and ORR partnership enhances incident reporting for tramways

A new collaboration between the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) and the Office for Rail and Road (ORR) is set to simplify statutory reporting across the sector. The latest update to the Tram Accident and Incident Reporting system (TAIR) now enables operators to flag and submit RIDDOR-reportable incidents directly to the ORR, removing the need to duplicate reports across multiple platforms. Following successful trials with UK tram operators, the innovation is expected to boost efficiency while strengthening sector-wide safety data and insights. Heritage Seaton Tramway features on BBC’s Countryfile

Seaton Tramway made a charming appearance on BBC One’s Countryfile this week, as presenters Matt Baker and Sammi Kinghorn explored the East Devon coast. The episode saw the duo travel to Seaton Wetlands aboard Tram 10, with drivers Dave and John proudly at the helm. The feature celebrated the beauty of the area and highlighted how the tramway plays a key role in connecting visitors to its natural landscapes. The segment also revisited conservation efforts in the wetlands, showcasing the site’s ongoing environmental impact. Beamish named UK Museum of the Year 2025

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, has been awarded the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year title. Celebrated for its immersive storytelling and dedication to preserving the heritage of the North East, Beamish brings regional history to life through authentic recreations of homes, shops, trams and transport from the 1820s to the 1950s. The museum recently completed its ambitious 1950s town as part of the Remaking Beamish project, developed in close collaboration with local communities. Beamish will receive £120,000 in prize money to support its ongoing work. 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 3rd July, 12PM.