Supporting Railway Children at the UKTram and LRSSB Light Rail Summit 2026

For the first time in its history, proceeds from ticket sales for the UKTram and LRSSB Light Rail Summit will be donated to charity, with this year's event supporting Railway Children. Taking place on 16th September at IET Birmingham: Austin Court, the UKTram and LRSSB Summit has become a popular fixture in the light rail calendar, where the growing light rail community comes together for a day of insight, discussion and networking.

Historically, tickets for the event have been offered free of charge. This year, delegates are being asked to make a £10 contribution (plus, a small booking fee) when purchasing their ticket, with all proceeds going directly to Railway Children and its work protecting vulnerable children connected to transport networks around the world.

For more than 30 years, Railway Children has worked to identify and support children who are at risk, alone or vulnerable. The charity works alongside transport staff, police and partner organisations to help safeguard young people who may be experiencing exploitation, abuse, homelessness or crisis situations. Its work spans the UK, India and Tanzania, helping thousands of children each year access the support they need.

Delegates attending this year's Summit will also hear directly from the charity, with Louise Thornton from Railway Children confirmed as part of the speaker programme.

 Louise Thornton, summit speaker and Business Development Manager at Railway Children said:

"At Railway Children, we are committed to ensuring that no child is lost to the streets. Every day, we work to identify, protect and support children and young people who are vulnerable, at risk of exploitation, or facing crisis situations. Through our partnerships with the transport industry, we help create safer networks where vulnerable children can be recognised, supported and protected before they come to serious harm.

"For us, safeguarding is about recognising that transport networks are often places where vulnerable young people can be identified and supported before they come to serious harm. The light rail sector has an important role to play in that, and we look forward to discussing how we can continue building awareness, confidence and collaboration across the industry."

"We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in the UK Rail and LRSSB Summit for choosing to support Railway Children through ticket sales. That support goes directly towards helping us continue our vital work with children and young people who are vulnerable, exploited, at risk of harm, or in crisis, ensuring our teams can provide practical intervention and support when it is needed most. The funds raised will have a direct impact on our ability to reach more children, work alongside transport partners to strengthen safeguarding, and deliver life-changing support to those who might otherwise go unseen.’’

Lorraine George, Business Manager at UKTram, added:

"We've always received fantastic support for the event, and we're grateful to everyone who has already booked their place. We're proud to be working with Railway Children and helping raise awareness of the vital work they do."

The developing Summit programme also includes speakers from across the light rail, rail and transport sectors, covering topics including decarbonisation, subway modernisation, customer initiatives, regulation, innovation and research.

With final tickets remaining, delegates are encouraged to secure their place soon and join colleagues from across the sector for a day of insight, discussion and networking, while supporting a worthy cause.

Further information and booking details are available here.