Light Rail Round-up: Timetable Tweaks, Track Upgrades & Transatlantic Talent | 18 July 2025:

This week’s round-up includes service updates from Blackpool and the DLR, major track renewals in Manchester and campaigns from Nottingham Express Transit and Luas. Supertram gears up for Yorkshire Day celebrations, while West Midlands Metro unveils its latest art trail installation. Plus, new partnerships and sector collaboration take centre stage at UKTram.

Blackpool Tramway tweaks timetable for improved punctuality

Minor timetable adjustments are being introduced on Blackpool’s tramway from Sunday 27 July, aimed at enhancing service reliability during peak periods. The changes, based on customer feedback and operational data, include earlier departures from Fleetwood and earlier Saturday services to better align with weekday schedules. While the 10-minute frequency remains in place, slight shifts in early morning and late evening timings are designed to reflect real-world travel patterns. Blackpool Transport says the move builds on the success of April’s enhanced timetable and supports continued improvements through the busy summer season. DLR prepares for new train roll-out with temporary timetable changes

Transport for London is introducing short-term adjustments to the DLR timetable from Monday, 21 July, as it prepares to retire older trains ahead of the launch of a brand-new fleet later this year. The first of 54 modern trains, offering increased capacity, walk-through carriages, and enhanced accessibility, is currently undergoing successful testing, with customer services expected to begin before the end of 2025. Temporary service changes will affect some lower-demand routes during the summer holidays, with a full timetable to be restored once the new trains are in place. TfL says the updated fleet will support long-term growth across the Docklands, improving frequency and reliability across the network. Metro unveils ‘Brummie Blinder’ sculpture for summer art trail

West Midlands Metro has unveiled its sponsored sculpture, The Brummie Blinder, in Victoria Square as part of Birmingham’s “Bulls in the City” art trail. Designed by local artist Megan Smith-Evans and inspired by Peaky Blinders, the colourful bull celebrates regional pride and creativity. The first 250 visitors to scan the QR code on the sculpture can claim exclusive Metro merchandise and enter a prize draw for free tram travel. The trail, which runs until 14 September, features 40 bull sculptures and supports Birmingham Hospice. Tyne and Wear Metro welcomes transatlantic talent

Passengers on the Tyne and Wear Metro are receiving a warm welcome from across the pond, thanks to two new Customer Service Advisors originally from Canada and the USA. Megan and Troy, who have both made the North East their home, are now part of the frontline Metro team – bringing not only top-notch service but a touch of North American charm to stations and trains. Their distinctive accents have been a hit with customers and their personal journeys reflect Metro’s role in connecting communities and making newcomers feel at home.

Mini Metro returns for summer fun in Newcastle

Families in Newcastle can once again enjoy a pint-sized version of the Metro this summer, as a child-sized replica of the new Stadler train takes centre stage at NE1’s Tiny Toon pop-up play village. Located at Old Eldon Square, the free attraction opens on 21 July and runs through the school holidays, offering children the chance to explore a mock Metro platform and station cube. The initiative supports Metro’s ongoing 'kids go free' promise and forms part of a wider £362m investment in the region’s transport future. Oasis homecoming draws 80,000 Bee Network journeys

More than 80,000 journeys were made on trams and shuttle buses during Oasis’ headline gigs at Heaton Park, marking two of the busiest nights in the Bee Network’s history. Transport for Greater Manchester reported that around half of all attendees chose sustainable travel options, with trams running every six minutes and shuttle buses connecting thousands more.

TfGM praised the efforts of staff and passengers, crediting teamwork and good spirits for keeping services moving smoothly throughout both nights. As more major events approach, extra services are planned to support demand and encourage continued modal shift.

NET keeps students moving with award-winning campaign

With 70,000 new students arriving in Nottingham each year, NET has continued to evolve its bold, student-focused marketing to drive loyalty and app engagement. The integrated ‘Get Going with NetGo!’ campaign featured Freshers' Week activations, TikTok content, and interactive events across university sites.

The campaign helped to boost downloads, ticket sales and safety awareness. With student travel generating a significant portion of revenue, NET’s efforts recently earned a DBA effectiveness award, reinforcing the role of light rail in supporting the next generation of city travellers.

Supertram celebrates Yorkshire Day with live music and local pride

To mark Yorkshire Day on 1 August, Supertram is hosting a traditional brass band performance at Sheffield Cathedral Green, spotlighting the region’s cultural heritage. The celebration comes just over a year since Supertram returned to public ownership under SYMCA, with a renewed focus on local priorities.

As part of the event, Conductors and trams will proudly display the Yorkshire rose, bringing a festive spirit to the network and its passengers.

Manchester city centre track upgrades reach final phase

Major track renewal works between Piccadilly Station and Piccadilly Gardens are nearing completion, with the final phase of TfGM’s £147m upgrade programme set to begin next week. The essential works will replace heavily used track to ensure continued safety and reliability, with up to 300 daily tram movements through this key section.

Temporary traffic management measures will be introduced on Aytoun Street and surrounding routes. Passengers are encouraged to check travel updates via the Bee Network app. The work is timed around school holidays and major events, helping keep disruption to a minimum while future-proofing the UK’s largest light rail network. Luas launches summer competition to inspire Dublin day trips

Transdev Ireland is encouraging passengers to explore Dublin this summer with a Luas-led competition offering the chance to win one of five €100 One4All vouchers. To enter, customers simply comment on Luas’ social media posts with ideas for a day out using the light rail system. The initiative aims to boost engagement while showcasing the many attractions along the Luas network. Winners will be announced on Friday 1 August. Heritage

Seaton’s newest trams top the mileage chart for June

British Trams Online has highlighted that June was a more typical month for Seaton Tramway operations, with the three newest purpose-built trams topping the mileage charts. Tram 11 led the way with 840 miles, equivalent to 140 full line journeys, closely followed by trams 9 and 10. In contrast, heritage tram 6, after an impressive 902 miles in May, took a well-earned break, clocking just 90 miles in June. Seaton Tramway has also confirmed the return of its popular Twilight Trams service, operating Wednesday evenings from 30 July. East Anglia Transport Museum hosts seaside-themed celebration

As reported by British Trams Online, the East Anglia Transport Museum brought the coast inland during its “Seaside Special” event on 12–13 July. A trio of Blackpool trams: Marton VAMBAC 11, Standard 159 and Brush Railcoach 634, took centre stage alongside the world’s oldest and only open-top operational trolleybuses. The event offered a nostalgic celebration of seaside transport traditions.

UKTram

Collaboration in action through UKTram sector partnerships take centre stage

From the support of the innovation of wearable tech with IHF, to our strategic alliance with Rail Intel and a formal MoU with Rail Forum, this week has shone a spotlight on collaboration, one of UKTram’s core values. Each initiative is designed to strengthen sector insight, innovation and connection across light rail. Explore the full stories and more in the News section of our website. 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 24th July, 12PM.