UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail Round-up | Networks preparing for summer | 17th July 2026
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In the UK and Ireland tram and light rail round-up this week: West Midlands Metro shortlisted for national award, Luas launches campaign celebrating its impact on Dublin and Edinburgh Trams to operate extra services for Nations Championship. Plus, Manchester Metrolink urges passengers to plan ahead during engineering works, Supertram prepares for Sheffield Grand Prix and Nottingham showcases light rail experience at conference. Heritage highlights this week include: Beamish launches transport trail for summer visitors, Â Horse Tramway welcomes King Charles for 150th anniversary and National Tramway Museum relaunches midweek ticket offer.
West Midlands Metro has been shortlisted for Tram Operator of the Year at the 2026 National Transport Awards.
The nomination recognises the work of teams across the network in delivering reliable services, maintaining high safety standards and providing excellent customer service. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in London in October.
Luas has launched Luas Stories, a new illustrated campaign celebrating the network's contribution to Dublin and the communities it serves.
Inspired by the Luas Benefits Report, the series highlights the network's growth and role within Ireland's wider public transport system through a collection of eye-catching illustrations displayed across the network.
Edinburgh Trams will operate additional services for Scotland's Nations Championship match against Fiji at Murrayfield Stadium on the 18th of July.
While the ongoing Princes Street closure means trams will continue to operate between Edinburgh Airport and West End only, passengers are being encouraged to plan their journeys in advance.
Transport for Greater Manchester is encouraging passengers to plan ahead as Metrolink engineering works coincide with a busy summer events programme.
Customers travelling during the three-week closure, which runs until 2nd August, are being advised to check the Bee Network app before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.
Nottingham Express Transit (NET) welcomed more than 300 delegates to the 20th Mainspring UK Light Rail Conference, which returned to the city for the first time in a decade.
As event sponsor, NET shared insights into the network's development, recent financial restructuring and its ongoing commitment to delivering a safe, reliable tram service.
Passengers travelling in Sheffield are being advised to plan ahead of the Sheffield Grand Prix on 22nd July.
While Supertram services will continue to operate, a number of city centre bus services will be diverted during the event due to temporary road closures. Customers are encouraged to check travel information before setting out.
Nexus has donated used Metro track to help create a new memorial honouring British prisoners of war who built the Burma Railway during the Second World War.
The rails will form part of a tribute alongside the Len Gibson statue in South Shields' North Marine Park, recognising the sacrifice of soldiers who served in the Far East.
Heritage highlights
The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway celebrated a landmark moment in its 150th anniversary year this week as His Majesty King Charles III, Lord of Mann, visited the Isle of Man to commemorate one of the world's oldest continuously operating passenger tramways.
The Royal visit included a number of engagements across the Isle of Man.
Beamish Museum has launched a new transport-themed trail as part of its Summer of Fun programme, running from 18th July to 31st August.
Visitors can explore the museum's historic tramway, buses and railway while completing activities that highlight the role transport played in everyday life across different eras.
The National Tramway Museum has reintroduced its Wednesday Winner promotion, offering visitors unlimited tram rides and access to the museum's attractions with a Day Ticket.
It includes travel on a selection of trams alongside exhibitions, the recreated period street and woodland walks, so more people can experience the UK's tramway heritage.
The East Anglia Transport Museum will host its annual 1940s Weekend on 18th and 19th July, celebrating wartime Britain through its collection of historic trams, trolleybuses, buses and narrow-gauge railway.
Alongside heritage transport, visitors can enjoy period entertainment, living-history displays, and vintage attractions as part of one of the museum's flagship summer events.
UKTram and LRSSB Updates
UKTram has expanded its growing library of member resources with the publication of two new Best Practice Guidance documents, developed through the Light Rail Engineers Group (LREG).
The latest additions capture practical experience and technical insight from across the sector, supporting members in sharing knowledge and best practice.
LRSSB has launched a pilot of a new accreditation framework designed to strengthen tram driver competency and continuing professional development.
Developed in collaboration with Edinburgh Trams, the framework aims to provide a consistent baseline for training and assessment while allowing operators to retain responsibility for managing driver competence.
UKTram has relaunched its Operational Innovation Group, establishing a forum for the light rail sector to
explore new ideas and identify practical opportunities for innovation.
The first meeting established the group’s direction, focusing on how operators can learn from each other and support continuous improvement.
UKTram attended the latest RailEI Technical Board meeting on 8th July, joining fellow corporate members to discuss engineering developments, professional standards and the future of skills across the rail industry.
Hosted by Pandrol at its Worksop facility, the meeting combined strategic updates from RailEI with presentations covering technical education, engineering standards and current industry priorities.
The next round-up will be published on Friday, 24th July. 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