UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail Round-up: Easter services, investment and network improvements | 2 April
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
All aboard for Easter travel and network updates
In this week's UK and Ireland tram and light rail round-up: West Midlands Metro extension to Millennium Point opens this Easter, NET invites nominations for 2026 Community Hero tram and Tyne and Wear Metro introduces fare cap and new easyJet partnership. Also featured this week: MetroLink's contract notices for utilities and enabling works and TravelSafe LiveChat campaign targets young passengers across Bee Network. Heritage highlights include Easter events and Beamish tramway infrastructure works.
Nottingham Express Transit is calling on local residents to nominate unsung heroes for its 2026 Community Hero tram. The initiative recognises individuals or organisations making a positive impact across Nottinghamshire, with the winner’s name displayed on a tram for 12 months.
Nominations are open until 30th April, with entries judged on the impact and contribution of nominees within their communities. The scheme builds on previous years, where local figures and organisations have been celebrated for their work across the region.
Tyne and Wear Metro has introduced new capped fares as part of the Mayor’s initiative to improve affordability, with single journeys limited to £2.50 and daily travel capped at £5 when using Pop Pay As You Go. The move represents the most significant change to Metro fares in over 20 years and aims to encourage greater use of public transport across the region.
Alongside this, Metro has announced a new partnership with easyJet, with branding introduced at key city centre stations to coincide with the airline’s new base at Newcastle Airport. The collaboration highlights Metro’s role as a key gateway to the airport while generating additional revenue to support ongoing network operations and investment.
Passenger services on the West Midlands Metro will begin operating to the new Millennium Point stop from Easter Sunday, marking the first phase of the Birmingham Eastside extension. The new route introduces two additional stops, improving access to key destinations including Moor Street Station, Birmingham City University and Millennium Point.
Delivered by Transport for West Midlands, the extension enhances connectivity across the city centre and supports integration with bus and rail services. The project forms part of wider plans to expand the network and connect more communities across the region.
A new campaign is encouraging young people to use the TravelSafe LiveChat service across the Bee Network to report antisocial behaviour and safety concerns. The initiative, led by Transport for Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Police, is being rolled out over the Easter holidays to raise awareness and build confidence in the tool.
Since its launch in October 2025, the service has received more than 800 reports, supporting rapid responses and enforcement action across bus and tram services. The campaign highlights how real-time reporting and closer partnership working are helping to enhance safety across the network.
Upgrade works on the Blackpool Tramway in Fleetwood are set to resume after a temporary pause over the Easter bank holiday. A full tram service will operate between Starr Gate and Fleetwood Ferry throughout the holiday weekend before works recommence from 7th April.
During this period, trams will terminate at Fisherman’s Walk, with replacement bus services available to support onward travel. The works form part of ongoing efforts to improve reliability and passenger experience across the network.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland has issued contract notices for the utilities and enabling works framework supporting the MetroLink programme. The framework will support early-stage works including site clearance, demolition and utility diversions, forming a key part of preparations for the wider scheme.
The long-term framework is designed to provide continuity and create opportunities for contractors, including SMEs, to engage with the project. The milestone represents further progress in delivering Ireland’s first fully automated, high-capacity metro system.
Light Rail Transit Association is set to host a ‘Trams for Derby’ conference on 16 April, focused on proposals for a potential tramway system in the city. The event will explore how a future network could support connectivity and link with the wider East Midlands light rail system.
The conference will include sessions for invited stakeholders and an open session for the public, providing an opportunity to discuss the concept and its potential role in supporting regional transport ambitions
Heritage highlights
As reported by British Trams Online, infrastructure upgrades are continuing at Beamish Museum as the tramway enters its main operating season. Works include overhead line renewals, sleeper replacements and vegetation clearance to maintain safe and reliable operations across the site.
Alongside infrastructure improvements, maintenance and restoration work is ongoing across the tram fleet, with several vehicles undergoing repairs and repainting. The programme reflects continued investment in preserving and enhancing one of the UK’s leading heritage tramway operations.
East Anglia Transport Museum is preparing to launch its 2026 season this weekend with a programme of Easter activities, including the return of its popular Easter Treasure Hunt. Taking place from 3rd to 5th April, the event will offer visitors a range of heritage transport experiences alongside family-friendly activities.
The museum will also operate its collection of trams, trolleybuses and narrow-gauge railway, supported by a free vintage bus service. The event marks the start of a new season as the museum welcomes visitors back for 2026.
Seaton Tramway has completed pre-season preparations across its fleet, including cleaning, maintenance and upgrades such as new stair installations on several trams. The work ensures vehicles are ready to welcome visitors for the 2026 season.
Alongside this, the tramway has introduced a series of themed experiences, including pirate, dinosaur and bird watching journeys. The initiative combines heritage travel with interactive and nature-based activities, enhancing the visitor experience in the Axe Valley.
UKTram updates:
UKTram’s recent Trade & Trams session took place online on 31st March, where members of the Light Rail Engineering Group (LREG) and UKTram supply trade members came together for an afternoon of innovation and shared learning. The event saw a strong turnout, with valuable contributions from across the supply chain.
We are currently gathering feedback to help shape future sessions and ensure the content remains relevant and practical. A follow-up event is already being considered and we encourage those who attended to complete the short survey and share their thoughts.
Light Rail Operators Committee meets in Edinburgh and leadership transition marks next chapter for the group >>
UKTram’s Light Rail Operators Committee (LROC) met in Edinburgh on 26th March, with the session hosted by Edinburgh Trams at Gogar Tram Depot. Â
The meeting offered another valuable opportunity for operators across the sector to engage in open discussion and share insights.Â
A key highlight was Edinburgh Trams’ presentation on the Lead Mind system, a fleet-agnostic, multi-OEM digital platform for fleet management and safety. The discussion covered its implementation, the development of automatic braking and refining speed profiles across the network.
UKTram has reached a significant milestone, with its Heritage Tramway community now representing all heritage tramways across the UK and British Isles.
The announcement was made by Mike Crabtree, Chair of the UKTram Heritage Tramway Committee, during this month’s Light Rail Operators Committee (LROC) meeting. Mike joined the session online while members gathered in Edinburgh, sharing the positive update with colleagues from across the sector.Â
The next round-up will be published on Friday, 10th April, 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