UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail and News Round-up | Tram-trains, transformation and transport confidence | Friday 12th June 2026
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In this week's UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail round-up: Supertram leadership team focuses on future priorities, Metrolink highlights role in major events as BRIT Awards return to Manchester and depot workers say a fond farewell to old Tyne and Wear Metro trains. Plus, Siemens secures infrastructure contract for Wales’ first tram-train network, Coventry Very Light Rail demonstrator track enters construction phase and Edinburgh Trams prepares for Zach Bryan concert crowds.
Transport for Greater Manchester has reflected on one of its standout commercial partnerships of 2026 following confirmation that the BRIT Awards will return to Manchester in 2027. Earlier this year, Metrolink worked with organisers to create a dedicated tram experience for fans attending the awards at Co-op Live, helping to make the journey to the event part of the overall visitor experience.
The operator said the campaign demonstrated how public transport can support major cultural events while connecting audiences with some of the city's biggest moments. With a busy summer programme of live events ahead, TfGM continues to work with brands, artists and event organisers as part of its wider efforts to promote sustainable travel across Greater Manchester.
Transport for London has launched a public consultation on detailed plans to extend the Docklands Light Railway from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via Beckton Riverside, marking a significant step forward for one of London's most ambitious public transport projects. The consultation, which runs until the 16th of July, seeks feedback on station designs, construction plans and environmental considerations.
The proposals include two new stations, one at Beckton Riverside and another at Thamesmead Waterfront, alongside a new tunnel beneath the River Thames. TfL says the extension could unlock up to 30,000 new homes, create 10,000 jobs and support the regeneration of some of the capital's largest remaining brownfield sites. Subject to funding and approvals, construction could begin in 2029, with services expected to start in the early 2030s.
Construction has begun on the first section of Coventry's Very Light Rail (VLR) City Centre Demonstrator Track, marking a significant step forward for the innovative urban transport project.
Work is now underway on a 400-metre section along Mile Lane, the first of three phases that will eventually create the demonstrator route. The scheme follows joint preparatory works with Severn Trent Water to renew ageing underground infrastructure ahead of the installation of Coventry's pioneering shallow-track system.
KeolisAmey Metrolink marked World Environment Day on 5 June with a passenger engagement event focused on promoting sustainable travel and raising awareness of the connection between biodiversity and climate change.
The pop-up event highlighted the environmental benefits of tram travel, encouraging passengers to consider the role public transport can play in reducing carbon emissions. Alongside discussions about sustainable travel, the initiative also explored how healthy ecosystems help absorb carbon dioxide, regulate temperatures and improve resilience to climate change.
Workers at the Tyne and Wear Metro depot are preparing to say goodbye to the network's original trains as the final Class 599 vehicles approach retirement after more than four decades in service.
Maintenance teams at Gosforth have spent years repairing, upgrading and caring for the fleet, helping the trains remain a familiar part of daily life across the region since passenger services began in 1980.
The iconic vehicles have carried 1.7 billion passenger journeys and travelled half a billion kilometres during their operational life, with their final scheduled runs set to take place between the 22nd and 26th of June. Reflecting on the fleet's legacy, Stadler's Head of Region for the UK, Ireland and North America, Paul Patrick, described the trains as the "lifeblood" of the region, recognising the role they have played in connecting communities across the North East for more than 46 years.
Edinburgh Trams is preparing for increased passenger numbers this weekend as American country music star Zach Bryan brings his With Heaven On Tour show to Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium.
To help concertgoers travel to and from the event, additional tram services will operate before and after the performance, with trams running as frequently as every three minutes. Passengers are being encouraged to plan their journeys in advance, use the network's Tap On, Tap Off ticketing system, and consider using Ingliston Park & Ride, where more than 1,000 free parking spaces are available.
Luas has reaffirmed its support for Dublin Pride as the city prepares for this year's celebrations, which take place from the 24th until the 28th of June under the theme "One Story – Many Voices."
The operator is encouraging customers travelling to Pride events across the city to plan their journeys in advance, with higher passenger numbers expected throughout the festival. Luas highlighted the range of Park & Ride facilities across both the Red and Green lines, as well as the use of Leap Cards and the Luas app to help passengers travel more easily.
Keolis has hosted the latest meeting of its international Tramway Club in Bordeaux, bringing together public transport authorities, elected representatives and industry experts to discuss the future of tramway systems and the challenges facing urban transport networks.
Drawing on experience from cities including Bordeaux, Manchester, Dublin, Lille and Paris, discussions focused on key themes such as network modernisation, increasing capacity, safety, major event management and enhancing the passenger experience. The event forms part of Keolis' wider commitment to knowledge sharing across the 24 tram and light rail networks it currently operates worldwide, supporting the exchange of operational expertise and best practice across the sector.
Supertram's Senior Leadership Team recently came together for a development day focused on collaboration, learning, and planning for the network's future.
The session provided an opportunity to reflect on recent progress and discuss how the organisation can continue to deliver high-quality services for passengers and communities across South Yorkshire. The event also recognised the contributions of colleagues across the business, whose work continues to support the network's ongoing development.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has been praised for supporting students on the University of Strathclyde's Vision Rehabilitation Course by providing free travel on the Glasgow Subway as part of a practical training exercise.
The experience allowed students to practise guiding techniques and build confidence supporting people with sight loss in real-world environments. Travelling between St George's Cross and Hillhead stations, participants explored a range of accessibility features, including tactile paving, high-contrast handrails, wide access gates and audio announcements, while gaining first-hand experience of navigating the network with low or no vision. The initiative highlights the important role accessible public transport can play in supporting inclusive travel and professional training.
Transport for Wales is entering the final stages of preparation ahead of the introduction of its first brand-new tram-trains on services between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay later this summer.
Driver and train manager training is now well underway, with regular test runs taking place across the network as TfW prepares to launch the next phase of the South Wales Metro. The new fully electric tram-trains will help deliver faster and more frequent services across the Valleys, reducing journey times and supporting a turn-up-and-go timetable with trains operating every 15 minutes.
Siemens Mobility has secured a contract from Transport for Wales to deliver the tram-train signalling infrastructure for Cardiff Crossrail, a key project that will connect Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay stations for the first time and support the continued expansion of the South Wales Metro.
The company will design, build and commission two signalling systems, including an on-street system to manage tram-train operations through the city centre and a line-of-sight system on the Cardiff Bay route. The project builds on Siemens Mobility's previous work on the Core Valley Lines Transformation programme, which helped increase service frequencies across parts of the South Wales network.
Tram and bus passengers across Nottinghamshire will soon see dedicated high-visibility officers travelling on the public transport network as part of a new £200,000 safety initiative.
Operation SafeTravel officers will patrol services operated by NET, Nottingham City Transport and trentbarton, providing a visible presence for passengers while supporting safeguarding, offering assistance and acting as additional eyes and ears for police investigations. The scheme forms part of efforts to enhance safety on public transport and deter criminal activity across Nottingham city centre and surrounding areas.
Heritage Highlights East Anglia Transport Museum completes maintenance work on historic tram >>
East Anglia Transport Museum has welcomed the return of Blackpool tram 11 to passenger service following an extended period of maintenance and overhaul work.
The tram, which last operated on New Year's Day, has undergone significant engineering attention, including work on its resilient wheel rubbers and a full overhaul of its air compressor. The maintenance programme will help ensure that the historic vehicle can continue to carry passengers safely on the museum's tramway for years to come.
The National Tramway Museum has confirmed that its long-awaited Access Tram will be officially launched during Tram Weekend on the 12th of September 2026, marking a significant milestone in the organisation's efforts to make heritage transport more accessible and inclusive.
The project has seen Blackpool Centenary tram 645 transformed into a fully operational vehicle capable of carrying wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility. In a development believed to be a UK first, and potentially a world first, the tram will also provide wheelchair users with the opportunity to experience driving a heritage tram under supervision. Heaton Park Tramway Museum announces summer open days >>
The Heaton Park Tramway Museum has confirmed its next open days will take place on the 5th of July and 2nd of August, offering visitors the chance to explore Manchester's rich tramway heritage free of charge. Guests will be able to view museum displays charting the history of the city's tram network, step aboard vintage tramcars and learn more about the ongoing restoration of Manchester tram 173, which dates back to 1901. The museum's gift shop will also be open, offering a range of tramway models, transport books and memorabilia.
While heritage tram services remain suspended due to ongoing electrical substation works, organisers say additional attractions are being planned for both events, with further details expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Seaton Tramway launches new Moomin-themed summer adventure >>
Seaton Tramway has announced a new family attraction for the summer holidays, with tickets now on sale for the Moomin Summer Adventure, taking place from the 3rd to the 9th of August.
The experience will see visitors board a specially themed tram and travel through the scenic Axe Valley while encountering characters from the much-loved Moomin stories. Along the route, families can enjoy storytelling and interactive activities before arriving at a live theatre performance inspired by the world of Moominvalley.
Combining heritage tram travel with family entertainment, the event is designed to appeal to Moomin fans of all ages and forms part of Seaton Tramway's programme of special events for the 2026 summer season.
UKTram updates
Final tickets remain for the UKTram and LRSSB Light Rail Summit 2026. Secure your place to hear from a fantastic line-up of speakers and connect with colleagues from across the sector for a day of insight, discussion and networking.
The Summit will be held at IET Birmingham: Austin Court on Wednesday, 16 September. It will bring together operators, infrastructure specialists, regulators, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of light rail.
UKTram is pleased to welcome Waterman Aspen as its newest member, adding to the organisation's growing network of businesses supporting the development and delivery of light rail systems across the UK and Ireland.
For more than 35 years, Waterman Aspen has provided engineering and technical specialists to major infrastructure projects across the country, working on a secondment basis to support public- and private-sector clients. The company operates across a wide range of transport and infrastructure sectors, including rail, highways, aviation and energy.
UKTram renews support for landmark 20th anniversary UK Light Rail Conference >>
UKTram has confirmed it will once again support the UK Light Rail Conference, as the sector's flagship event prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary later this month.
Taking place at Nottingham Trent University from the 30th of June to the 1st of July 2026, the conference will return to the city where it first began in 2006. More than 350 delegates are expected to attend this year's event, which will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities across two days. UKTram updates operational resources on Members' Hub following sector collaboration >>
UKTram has added a series of updated operational and technical resources to its Members’ Hub, continuing its work to support shared learning, collaboration and knowledge exchange across the light rail sector.
The latest additions include updated guidance covering Driver Recruitment Best Practice, Driver Training and Rostering, developed through discussion and collaboration within the UKTram Light Rail Operations Committee (LROC). UKTram continues support for Women in Transport following Annual General Meeting >>
Now in its fourth year of partnership with Women in Transport, UKTram continues to support the organisation's mission to create a more diverse, inclusive and representative industry. This week's AGM provided an opportunity to reflect on the organisation's achievements over the past year and celebrate the growing impact of its work across the transport sector.
The next round-up will be published on Friday, 19th of June. If you are a UKTram Member, and you'd like to be included in the round-up shared on the website, socials and our exclusive Members' hub, please send your press releases, event updates and career opportunities to chelsea.branch@uktram.co.uk
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