Mixed-Use Railway gains momentum with launch of new industry platform

New UKTram-hosted platform supports collaboration and integrated thinking across the rail sector.

Members of the Mixed-Use Railway (MUR) community met in Stourbridge this week to discuss the future direction of the initiative, alongside the launch of a new industry webpage hosted by UKTram.

Held at the Bonded Warehouse on Monday, 18th May, the meeting brought together organisations involved in the growing cross-industry initiative, which promotes a more integrated and flexible approach to rail development.

The new online resource explores how different rail modes - including heavy rail, metro, tram-train, light rail and very light rail - can work together more effectively to support connectivity, improve value from investment and encourage greater use of public transport.

Nicola Islef, Head of External Relations at TDI Greenway, commented:

“TDI is delighted to be part of the working group that developed the new webpage for the Mixed-Use Railway Group.  It is an important source of information for considering the different rail solutions available across our industry and provides links to member sites for more detailed information. The webpage will be developed further to feature new rail technologies and case studies as they are identified and delivered, giving people the latest news on integrated transport projects across the UK.”

Discussions throughout the meeting also highlighted the importance of recognising rail as part of wider integrated transport solutions, particularly as towns and cities continue exploring ways to support modal shift and improve long-term connectivity.

The group also welcomed input from Railfuture, with Ian Brown discussing the organisation’s role in supporting better rail services and the future potential of rail across the UK.

Simon Coulthard, Head of Light Rail at Network Rail and Non-Executive Director on the UKTram Board, said:

“The Mixed-Use Railway initiative continues to demonstrate the value of collaboration across different parts of the rail industry. A big thank you as well to the team in Stourbridge for their hospitality and continued support of the Mixed-Use Railway community.”

As part of the session, UKTram Digital Marketing and Communications Manager Chelsea Branch presented the new webpage, designed as a central platform for information, case studies, and guidance relating to Mixed-Use Railway.

Chelsea Branch added:

“It’s been an insightful project to work on and I’m grateful for the huge amount of knowledge and experience within the group from across the MUR community throughout the process. The collaborative approach behind the initiative has played a big role in putting together the page.”

The webpage also includes several operational examples and reference cases demonstrating how different rail modes can be adapted to suit local transport needs and operating contexts.

The Mixed-Use Railway initiative webpage is now live and can be accessed here.

The Mixed-Use Railway community continues to bring together organisations from across the wider rail and light rail sectors, reflecting the initiative's collaborative nature. Current contributors and participating organisations include the Department for Transport, Office of Rail and Road (ORR), Network Rail, UKTram, the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB), Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), the Light Rail Transit Association (LRTA), Railfuture, CNNCT Ltd, TDI Greenway and Pre Metro Operations, alongside wider industry representatives supporting the development of more integrated and adaptable rail solutions.

Visit the page