Mixed Use Railway Initiative recognised with ‘Team of the Year’ at Global Light Rail Awards

The Mixed Use Railway Initiative has been recognised with the ‘Team of the Year’ award at the 2025 Global Light Rail Awards, highlighting the strength of collaboration across the rail and light rail sectors.

The initiative was originally submitted under the ‘Vision of the Year’ category, reflecting its ambition to reshape how rail systems can better connect communities. Judges instead recognised the collective effort behind its development, awarding the team for its cross-industry approach and shared commitment to delivering practical, future-focused solutions.

Led by Network Rail and developed in collaboration with partners including UKTram, the Department for Transport, RSSB, LRSSB and others, the Mixed Use Railway Initiative brings together organisations from across the rail sector to explore how different modes can work more effectively together.

The initiative was born out of experience gained through the former Restoring Your Railway programme, where it became clear that a single, heavy rail solution would not always deliver the most viable outcome. Instead, the initiative promotes a more flexible, integrated approach, matching the most appropriate rail solution to local demand.

At the heart of the initiative is a focus on breaking down traditional silos between rail modes. By considering heavy rail, light rail, tram-train and very light rail as part of a broader toolkit, the approach aims to create more cost-effective, adaptable and accessible transport solutions.

UKTram has played an active role in supporting the development of the initiative through its Centre of Excellence, contributing insight from across the light rail sector and helping to shape thinking around integration and delivery.

Colin Robey, Chair of the UKTram Centre of Excellence, said:

"UKTram’s Centre of Excellence is delighted to make a positive contribution to the development of the Mixed Use Railway Initiative. The vision that forms the Mixed Use Railway Initiative has the potential to deliver significant savings in operating and infrastructure costs on the Mainline railway.

"We are convinced that this initiative could lead to changes in railway practices that will be the most significant in a generation. This will pave the way for recognition that the rail industry is far more integrated than the sum of its parts. A wonderful example of cooperation across the Heavy and Light Rail modes.”

The initiative has already developed a series of reference cases and supporting workstreams, providing practical guidance on how different rail modes can be applied to reconnect communities and expand the reach of the network.

Examples such as the Dartmoor Line, South Yorkshire tram-train and the Stourbridge Shuttle demonstrate how tailored approaches can deliver effective, financially sustainable solutions in different contexts.

As the initiative moves forward, the focus will be on refining these concepts and supporting their application in real-world projects, helping to unlock new opportunities for rail-based transport across the UK.