Network Rail launches new Tram Train Learning Hub to support future projects

Network Rail has officially launched its newly enhanced Tram Train Learning Hub, designed to provide vital knowledge and resources for stakeholders and industry professionals involved in tram train projects.

Building on the legacy of the Sheffield Tram Train pilot, the new platform offers a comprehensive repository of learning and experience gathered during the development and delivery of the UK’s first tram train scheme. The hub has a clear focus on sharing best practice and is set to become an essential tool for those seeking to avoid common pitfalls and streamline project planning and delivery.

Learning Hub

Simon Coulthard, Head of Light Rail at Network Rail, commented: 

“We are delighted to launch the new Tram Train Learning Hub. The first-generation Learning Hub proved its value to the industry, with over 250 registered users drawn from more than 60 organisations worldwide. The old site had limitations in terms of size and functionality, which the new site addresses. The recent Government announcement of £15bn investment in mass transit, including Tram Train projects, proves how vital it is to keep knowledge in this area as relevant and available as possible.” 

The Learning Hub is designed to serve as a knowledge resource for industry partners and stakeholders, encompassing all aspects of developing and delivering a Tram Train project.

As the first of its kind in the UK, the Sheffield Pilot Project encountered various challenges and complex problems that the team had to solve. The Hub is designed to be a repository of information and learning, providing stakeholders interested in their own Tram Train projects with guidance on avoiding many challenges and complexities through the sharing of best practices and practical experience.

The new Hub comprises four key areas: “Project Description” provides an overview of the Sheffield project, with breakdowns by intervention type, while “Learning Themes” covers all key challenge areas, including detailed learning points, downloadable resources, and practical insights. “Scheme Evaluation” shares output data from the pilot, including customer satisfaction surveys and service performance. A rich bank of media assets is available from the “Media Library”, featuring photos, video content, international examples and a dedicated promotional documentary. 

Alex Dodds, Light Rail Manager at Network Rail and the developer of the new Hub, explained: 

“The new Learning Hub platform has an enhanced visual interface, intuitive navigation features, improved site-wide search functionality and an expanded media library. Our intention is to update the Hub on a progressive basis to reflect new developments in Tram Train projects over the coming years.”

Network Rail played a leading role in the Sheffield Tram Train Pilot as the network operator and infrastructure owner for the rail portion of the route. Key interventions included a new junction connection at Tinsley, major signalling and electrification works, and the delivery of two new tram train stations at Rotherham Central and Parkgate. 

Key learnings from the project have been the complexity of managing physical infrastructure interfaces and the importance of building strong relationships with third-party stakeholders as a way to address this. The provision of a learning tool was a condition of DfT funding for the project as a way of extracting best practice value and shared experience from the pilot.

The Learning Hub is part of Network Rail’s wider light rail engagement strategy. The organisation is currently supporting multiple tram-train interfaces, including work with TfGM on the Pathfinder project and the Tyne & Wear Metro, following the successful delivery of the Metro Flow project.

With the rebranded Learning Hub now live, Network Rail aims to reinforce its collaborative role across light rail, helping the sector grow in confidence and capability as new projects are developed nationwide. For Registration, click here.