September puts light rail in the spotlight with a packed programme of industry events
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The light rail and transport sector can expect a busy September, featuring a full schedule of events that provide opportunities to share knowledge and innovation and talk about the key priorities influencing the future of the industry.
UKTram and its partners and members will take part in the discussions happening throughout the UK and Europe during the month on matters such as innovation, safety, smarter systems, international innovation and light rail expansion.
The programme starts on Tuesday, 8th September, with the Transport Safety Summit being hosted by UKTram's strategic partner, Rail Forum.
The online event will look at the safety of public transport and will aim to find practical solutions, inviting people from transport operators, government organisations, the British Transport Police, industry associations, charities and suppliers to take part. The discussions and workshops will help produce several recommendations meant to guide future talks and actions in the sector.
UKTram and LRSSB are all set to host the eighth annual Light Rail Summit taking place in Birmingham on Wednesday, 16th September.
The theme this year Smarter Systems, Stronger Networks, will involve speakers and delegates looking at decarbonisation, modernisation, customer experience, safety and innovation, as well as examining the role of collaboration and shared learning in helping to shape the future of light rail.
The Summit has officially sold out, with a waiting list now open for anyone still hoping to attend.
UKTram members will also have a presence at the exhibition, giving delegates yet another chance to get in touch with the organisations that support the sector.
The focus then shifts to Poland, since the UITP Light Rail Division Meeting is being held in Poznań from 20th to 21st September.
The relaunched Division provides a platform for UITP members involved in light rail and tram systems worldwide to exchange knowledge and explore common challenges. This month's meeting is expected to cover operation and safety, rolling stock and maintenance, and the future of light rail.
The InnoTrans trade fair will take place from 22nd to 25th September and features exhibits on railway technology, railway infrastructure, public transport, interiors and tunnel construction, showing off innovations and developments from all parts of the global transport industry. UKTram will be at the event, giving the opportunity to meet members, partners and international colleagues.
Back in the UK on Thursday, 24 September, the inaugural Time for Trams conference will take place at The TechnoCentre in Coventry.
The event, which is being organised by Landor LINKS in association with the Tram Network, will be concerned with speeding up the delivery of light rail and mass transit, including ways of delivering new tram networks more quickly, affordably and on a large scale.
UKTram Chair Steve Edwards will be among the speakers, contributing to discussions around the benefits trams can deliver for local places, communities and economic growth.
UKTram Managing Director James Hammett said:
"September presents a chance for UKTram and its members to take part in some of the most important discussions happening in the field of transport, covering issues such as safety and innovation within the sector as as well as its future. At the same time, it offers more opportunities to share the UK sector's experiences and build on relationships both at home and abroad."
With events spanning the UK and Europe, September provides many opportunities for the light rail community to share experience, learn from developments elsewhere and ensure the sector has a strong voice in conversations about the future of public transport.
And following off a tram-packed September, the celebration of the sector continues with the Global Light Rail Awards on Wednesday, 7th October at Battersea Arts Centre in London.
UKTram is once again supporting the awards, which recognise excellence, innovation and achievement across light and urban rail, celebrating the people, projects and organisations making a difference across the sector.
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