UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail Round-up | New leadership, new milestones and network investment | 3rd July 2026
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In UK and Ireland tram and light rail round-up this week: West Midlands Metro honours light rail pioneer Geoffrey Claydon with tram naming, NET and NCT help SEND students build confidence using public transport, Luas promotes Park & Ride for summer travel, TfW launches first Metro tram-train into passenger service and UK Light Rail Conference celebrates 20 years of progress. Plus, Keolis announces new international leadership structure, TfL encourages feedback on proposed DLR extension, Blackpool Transport colleagues shortlisted for leadership awards and
Manx Electric Railway seeks conductors for summer season.
One of the light rail sector's most respected and influential figures has been honoured by West Midlands Metro with the naming of a tram in memory of Geoffrey Claydon.
The ceremony took place on Thursday 2nd of July at Edgbaston Village, where tram 40 was officially unveiled as 'Geoffrey Claydon CB 1930–2025' before invited guests from across the light rail and heritage tramway community. The unveiling was carried out by Lord Richard Faulkner, with tributes also shared by David Frodsham, Colin Robey and David Keay.
Over 350 delegates from the UK and Ireland attended the UK Light Rail Conference in Nottingham last week, marking its 20th anniversary and reflecting on two decades of progress while planning. Held under the theme 'Past. Present. Future.', this year's conference demonstrated a sector full of optimism and momentum.
The two-day programme covered topics such as network expansion, innovation, digital transformation, customer experience, safety and workforce development. Despite the range of subjects, a consistent message emerged: light rail is playing an increasingly important role in the UK's transport future.
Transport for London (TfL) is reminding residents and stakeholders to take part in the public consultation on plans to extend the Docklands Light Railway to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead.
The proposals include new stations at Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead Waterfront, helping to improve connectivity, unlock future housing and support economic growth in East London. The consultation remains open until 16 July, giving communities the opportunity to help shape the next stage of the proposed extension.
Transport for Wales has introduced its first Class 398 tram-train into passenger service, marking a major milestone in the delivery of the South Wales Metro. The new vehicles began operating on the Pontypridd to Cardiff Bay line this week, with further tram-trains set to be introduced across additional Valley routes during 2026.
The rollout forms part of the wider South Wales Metro transformation programme, which includes new trains, upgraded infrastructure and improved stations designed to deliver more frequent, sustainable and better-connected public transport across Cardiff and the Valleys.
Keolis has announced a series of senior leadership appointments as part of a new international organisational structure designed to strengthen collaboration across its global operations.
From the 1st of July, Alistair Gordon will join the Keolis Group Executive Committee as Chief Executive Officer for the newly created Middle East, India, Asia & Pacific zone, following 16 years leading Keolis UK & Ireland.
The UK and Ireland business will become part of a new UK, Ireland, USA & Canada zone, led by Abdellah Chajai, with Richard Graham appointed Chief Executive Officer of Keolis UK & Ireland alongside his existing role as Managing Director of KeolisAmey Docklands. Keolis says the new structure will strengthen relationships with clients and support continued growth across its international business.
West Midlands Metro was well represented at this year's UK Light Rail Conference in Nottingham, with Managing Director and UKTram Board Member Sophie Allison chairing sessions and contributing to discussions on the sector's future.
Members of the Metro team also attended the event to share knowledge and strengthen industry collaboration, while Ikram Ali and Sandeep Kaur Dulay took part in the Investing in the Future of Light Rail panel, discussing their career journeys and encouraging the next generation of transport professionals. The conference provided another opportunity for operators, suppliers and industry leaders to exchange ideas and explore the future of light rail across the UK.
Edinburgh Trams is encouraging passengers to plan ahead as the Scottish capital prepares for a busy month of sporting fixtures, concerts, festivals and live entertainment throughout July.
The operator has highlighted a range of major events served by the tram network, including the Nations Championship rugby, Luke Combs at Murrayfield, the Edinburgh Castle Concerts, Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival and a host of theatre performances across the city. With thousands of visitors expected, passengers are being advised to use the tram to travel conveniently to venues and allow extra time for their journeys.
Nottingham Express Transit (NET) and Nottingham City Transport (NCT) have welcomed more than 120 students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to a series of 'Try a Tram' and 'Try a Bus' events designed to build confidence in using public transport.
Held across two days in June, the initiative gave students the opportunity to explore trams, buses and stations in a safe and supportive environment while meeting drivers and customer-facing staff. The events form part of both operators' ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and encouraging independent travel, helping more people feel confident using Nottingham's integrated public transport network.
Luas is encouraging passengers to make use of its Park & Ride facilities this summer, offering a convenient alternative to driving into Dublin city centre.
Park & Ride sites are available along both the Red and Green lines, with advance parking available from as little as €2 per day at Cheeverstown and €5.50 per day at Balally when booked through APCOA. Open 24 hours a day, the facilities provide easy access to the Luas network, helping commuters, shoppers and leisure travellers avoid city centre congestion while enjoying a more convenient journey.
A retired engineer who helped design the Tyne and Wear Metro's original train fleet has reflected on the lasting impact of a project that transformed public transport across the North East.
Phil Watts, who played a key role in developing the Metro system during the 1970s, recently returned to Gosforth Depot to see the final Class 599 trains before they completed their last guaranteed passenger journeys. Having helped develop the specifications for the fleet and shape the early Metro network, Phil said he was proud to have contributed to a system that carried 1.7 billion passenger journeys over 46 years and influenced the development of later light rail systems, including Manchester Metrolink and Nottingham Express Transit.
Several Blackpool Transport employees have been shortlisted in the inaugural Leadership in Passenger Transport Awards, recognising excellence across the public transport industry.
Marketing Manager Hayley Gregory has been shortlisted in both the Digital Communication and Marketing and PR categories, while Jamie Swift, Head of Commercial, is in contention for the Innovation and New Thinking Award. The operator's sales team has also been shortlisted for the Team Management Award, with winners due to be announced at the awards ceremony in London on the 16th of July.
Heritage highlights
Volk's Electric Railway has been shortlisted in the 2026 Bucket & Spade List Awards, with the winner set to be decided by a public vote.
The historic Brighton attraction, recognised as the world's oldest operating electric railway, is encouraging supporters to cast their vote as it competes for the annual seaside heritage accolade. The awards celebrate some of the UK's most cherished coastal attractions, highlighting the important role they continue to play in preserving Britain's transport and tourism heritage.
The National Tramway Museum has introduced a new midweek day ticket offer following visitor feedback, giving guests more flexibility to explore the museum during the summer.
Available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until the 22nd of July, the new ticket includes unlimited tram rides, entry to the museum's exhibitions and galleries, historic street scene, woodland walk and sculpture trail. Visitors purchasing a day ticket can also upgrade to an annual pass on the day at a reduced rate, encouraging even more people to discover the UK's national collection of historic trams.
The Manx Electric Railway is recruiting casual conductors for the 2026 summer season, offering the opportunity to work on one of the Isle of Man's most iconic heritage railways.
The seasonal roles will see successful applicants welcome passengers, sell tickets, carry out safety checks and help keep the historic tramway operating smoothly. The recruitment campaign aims to attract customer-focused individuals looking for flexible work while supporting the continued operation of one of the British Isles' best-loved heritage transport attractions.
UKTram and LRSSB updates
UKTram is pleased to welcome Tony Gee & Partners as the newest member of its expanding community. Tony Gee & Partners, an owner-managed engineering consultancy, is known for delivering complex infrastructure and innovative transport projects that provide lasting value to the communities they serve.
The organisation already plays a key role in the light rail sector, contributing to the West Midlands Metro design and supporting Coventry’s Very Light Rail City Demonstrator 2 project.
The Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) has revealed that overall accident risk across UK tramways has fallen by 27 per cent over the past three years, reflecting continued investment in safety across the sector.
The updated findings, announced during the UK Light Rail Conference in Nottingham, highlight improvements driven by measures including overspeed protection, driver vigilance systems, enhanced simulator training, track bed protection and strengthened asset management. Delegates also received an update on LRSSB's new governance structure, which came into effect on the 1st July as part of its evolving relationship with UKTram and its move towards greater operational independence.
Collaboration and future talent take centre stage at latest Light Rail Operators Committee meeting >>
Members of UKTram’s Light Rail Operators Committee (LROC) met on the 25th of June to discuss workforce development and share best practice for its second meeting of 2026. The session, initially scheduled at London Tram depot, was moved online due to disruptions from the recent heatwave and rail service cancellations.
Graham Fitzgerald was formally welcomed as Chair and Trevor Stocker as Vice Chair. UKTram congratulated both on their appointments and thanked them for their commitment to supporting collaboration within the Light Rail community.
UKTram joined policymakers, transport authorities, and industry leaders at the Better Transport
Conference 2026 to discuss improving connections between people, places, and opportunities.
Held at London South Bank University on Friday, the 19th June, the conference concluded Better Transport Week 2026, a national programme by Campaign for Better Transport promoting safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport across England and Wales.
As a Corporate Champion of Campaign for Better Transport, UKTram engaged with sector partners and contributed to discussions shaping the future of integrated transport.
The next round-up will be published on Friday, the 10th of 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
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