Light Rail Round-up: West Midlands Pride Offer, Cutty Sark Upgrades, Nexus Safety Award and Sector News – 23 May 2025
- UKTram
- 14 hours ago
- 5 min read
In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Edinburgh Trams celebrates successful launch of 'ToTo', Nexus receives prestigious RoSPA Gold Award for safety, West Midlands Metro supports Birmingham Pride with discounted travel, New LRSSB guidance outlines safety verification processes and Snaefell seeks engineers with a love of heritage transport.
Bee Network Supports one of Manchester’s busiest nights of the year
On Tuesday 20 May, Manchester’s Bee Network rose to the challenge as the city hosted three major events simultaneously: Bruce Springsteen at Co-op Live, Kylie Minogue at the AO Arena and Manchester City’s final home game of the season at the Etihad Stadium.
With nearly 100,000 people heading into the city, Transport for Greater Manchester implemented extensive measures to keep the transport network moving.
Additional tram services, express and shuttle buses, and a well-lit walking route helped manage the crowds, while TfGM’s control room monitored live conditions throughout the evening. The coordinated approach ensured that fans across the city enjoyed a simple and safe journey to and from their events.
Edinburgh Trams officially launches 'ToTo' system
Edinburgh Trams has launched its new ‘Tap on, Tap off’ (ToTo) contactless payment system, delivering seamless travel across the city in partnership with Lothian Buses and Flowbird.
The system ensures passengers benefit from daily and weekly fare capping across both modes. Managing Director Lea Harrison said the launch “future-proofs the tramway, making it easier and more efficient than ever to use the tram to glide across the city.” Passengers are reminded to tap off at the end of their journey to be charged the correct fare.
Supertram renewal works see return of bendy buses in South Yorkshire
Sheffield Supertram has launched essential renewal works along its network from 24th - 30th May and passengers may spot a familiar sight on the roads during the disruption. Articulated ‘bendy’ buses have been reintroduced to support tram replacement services, marking their return to South Yorkshire for the first time in over 25 years.
The return of the bendy buses is temporary, ensuring passengers can continue to travel smoothly while Supertram delivers vital infrastructure upgrades. For more information on the works and replacement services, passengers are encouraged to visit the Supertram website.
New Metro Fleet delivery reaches 19 as latest Class 555 trains arrive
Nexus has confirmed the successful delivery of two more Stadler Class 555 Metro trains, bringing the total number received to 19 out of 46 ordered for the Tyne and Wear Metro network.
The new vehicles completed a 1,800-mile journey from mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel and have now arrived at Gosforth Depot. They’ll enter the next phase of the fleet roll-out programme, undergoing rigorous testing before entering passenger service.
Nexus has thanked teams at Stadler, RailAdventure UK Ltd, and internal colleagues for their coordinated efforts to ensure a smooth delivery process.
Nexus honoured with RoSPA Gold Award for Health and Safety excellence
Nexus, operator of the Tyne and Wear Metro, has been awarded a prestigious RoSPA Gold Award for its outstanding commitment to health and safety.
Now in its 69th year, the RoSPA Awards recognise organisations setting the highest global standards in accident prevention. With almost 2,000 entries annually across more than 50 countries, Nexus’ recognition places it among world leaders in workforce and passenger safety.
West Midlands Metro supports Birmingham Pride with discounted travel
West Midlands Metro will proudly show its support for the region’s LGBTQ+ community during Birmingham Pride 2025 by offering discounted travel across the weekend.
Pride ticket holders will receive 20% off tram fares by using a QR code provided by organisers, redeemable via the MyMetro app. Michael Reading-Skilton, Metro’s Head of Commercial, describes the offer as “a reflection of our ongoing commitment to equality and diversity in the region we serve.”
With more than 40,000 people expected to attend, the initiative aimed to provide a convenient, low-stress transport option while showing support for one of the city's most vibrant events.
Primary school pupil wins Metro’s Bull in the City design competition
West Midlands Metro has announced 11-year-old Sakinah Begum from Regents Park Community Primary School as the winner of its Bull in the City design competition. Sakinah’s artwork will feature on a miniature bull sculpture as part of this summer’s Birmingham-wide art trail in support of Birmingham Hospice.
Metro Managing Director Sophie Allison praised the winning design for its creativity and strong message, adding that all the submissions demonstrated “remarkable talent and enthusiasm.” The school will also receive a £250 prize and a behind-the-scenes tour of Metro operations. The Bulls in the City trail runs from 16 July to 14 September.
Cutty Sark Station to temporarily close for escalator replacement
Transport for London has confirmed that Cutty Sark DLR station will temporarily close from Saturday 31 May 2025 until spring 2026 to allow for the complex replacement of all four escalators.
The new escalators will be state-of-the-art, energy-efficient models designed to offer more reliable and accessible services for passengers. Due to the layout and restricted space at the station, it is not possible to keep it open during the works. In the meantime, customers are advised to use Greenwich station, an 11-minute walk away, or nearby bus services, with signage in place to support wayfinding.
Once complete, the upgrade will improve passenger flow and reduce energy use, aligning with TfL’s broader goals for sustainable infrastructure. Local businesses and tourism organisations are working alongside TfL to minimise disruption to visitors during the closure period.
Alstom and ATM Group form joint venture to bid for Luas O&M contract
Alstom and ATM Group have announced a strategic joint venture as they prepare to bid for the upcoming operations and maintenance contract for the Luas network in Dublin. The collaboration combines Alstom’s global light rail and systems expertise with ATM’s experience in managing complex urban transport networks.
Their joint proposal, submitted to Transport Infrastructure Ireland, will focus on operational excellence, customer experience, sustainability and innovative technology.
New LRSSB guidance outlines safety verification processes for tramway projects
The Light Rail Safety and Standards Board has published new guidance on developing and implementing safety justification schemes during the construction or modification of tramway systems.
Document LRG59.0 provides detailed insight into best practice across the sector and outlines critical steps for ensuring safe delivery. It joins a suite of recent additions to the LRSSB Safety Hub, including guidance on ROGS safety verification, event management, and fostering a ‘Just Culture’.
Seaside fun returns to Crich Tramway Village this half term
Families looking for half-term inspiration can head to Crich Tramway Village for a week of nostalgic seaside entertainment. Running from Saturday 24 to Friday 30 May, the Derbyshire-based National Tramway Museum is offering a host of activities including Punch and Judy shows, a flea circus, crafts, fairground games and a sandcastle beach for younger visitors.
Vintage trams will operate throughout the event and return ticket holders are able to revisit for free. Full programme and ticket details are available below.
Unique Engineering opportunity on the Isle of Man
The Department of Infrastructure on the Isle of Man is currently recruiting for an Electrical / Mechanical Rolling Stock Fitter to join its engineering team on the iconic Snaefell Mountain Railway.
This unique role offers the chance to work on both heritage vehicles dating back to 1895 and brand-new trams currently being commissioned. Based at Laxey MER Station, the position promises a rewarding and varied career for those with a passion for rail heritage and innovation. Applications are open until 9 June 2025.
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 careers to news@uktram.org by Thursday 29th May, 12PM.