Light Rail sector continues to support campaign to help rough sleepers and welcomes summit speaker

Following previous discussions during a UKTram Light Rail Operators Committee (LROC) meeting, the light rail sector is being encouraged to support an important national initiative aimed at helping those sleeping rough.

The issue was initially raised as part of an update from UKTram Operations Manager Steve Duckering, who represents the sector at the Department for Transport’s ‘Rough Sleeping on Public Transport’ forum. Steve explains:

“Given the open nature of light rail infrastructure, rough sleeping may not always be visible in the same way it is across other public transport modes, however, the wider impacts of street homelessness are a daily challenge that many of our networks face.”

UKTram has joined the collaborative partnership to address anti-social and criminal behaviour where it occurs, but making it very clear that rough sleeping itself is not anti-social behaviour.

Platforms such as StreetLink provide a platform that connects people who are rough sleeping in England and Wales to support provided by local authorities and charities. This includes anyone who is sleeping outside, preparing to bed down, or sleeping somewhere not designed for habitation, such as a car. To make these connections, the platform relies on alerts submitted by members of the public and people sleeping rough.

UKTram is actively encouraging networks to promote StreetLink’s #BeTheLink campaign, which offers the public and staff something that can be done;  a meaningful alternative to the ‘nothing we can do’ approach that often results in inaction.

This simple act of reporting could lead to vital support and accommodation for someone in need. Empowering staff with the knowledge that they can act can also enhance public confidence in network safety and responsibility.

In support of the campaign, UKTram is also pleased to announce that StreetLink will be joining this year’s Light Rail Summit in September. Saffron Gurden, representing the Homeless Link project, will speak about the #BeTheLink initiative and how the transport sector can play a meaningful role in connecting people with support.