UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail Round-up | partnerships, punctuality and new appointments | Friday, 15th May 2026
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- 8 min read
In this week's UK and Ireland tram and light rail round-up: NET strengthens operational and safety leadership with new appointment, next phase of Manchester Metrolink infrastructure investment set to begin and Blackpool Tramway introduces timetable changes to improve punctuality. Plus, Edinburgh Trams partners with charity to introduce onboard emergency bandage kits, Keolis calls for ‘Great British Light Rail’ approach to urban transport and emergency services training exercise held at Supertram depot. Heritage highlights include: International tram enthusiasts visit Blackpool as UK light rail and heritage networks welcome North American tour group and National Tramway Museum to showcase historic model tram collection.
Nottingham Express Transit has appointed Andrew Downie as its new Head of Operations and Safety, reinforcing the operator’s continued focus on service reliability and passenger safety across the tram network. Andrew brings experience from both the rail industry and Nottinghamshire Police, including operational management and public safety roles.
Part of Andrew's focus will include continuing road safety awareness work around tram and traffic collisions, alongside supporting wider partnership activity linked to Operation Safenet across the network.
Colleagues and stakeholders from Keolis Nottingham have taken part in the latest ‘Walk the Network’ sponsored event, raising funds for Nottinghamshire Mind. Participants walked sections of the Nottingham tram network, with many completing the full 15-mile route between Hucknall and Toton.
The annual fundraiser supports the operator’s Charity of the Year partnership and helps raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing across local communities.
The next stage of Greater Manchester’s £150 million tram network improvement programme is set to begin later this month, with major track renewal and infrastructure works planned across parts of the Metrolink system. The works will include track replacement, drainage improvements and alignment upgrades between Monsall and Newton Heath & Moston.
Designed to improve long-term reliability, resilience and ride quality across the network, the programme will also enable the removal of some existing speed restrictions. Additional improvement works will also take place at Derker and Piccadilly Gardens, with replacement bus services and temporary timetable changes operating during the engineering programme.
KeolisAmey Metrolink has showcased the winning entries from its World Public Transport Day staff photography competition, highlighting colleagues’ perspectives from across the tram network. The initiative invited employees to capture moments from daily life on Metrolink, celebrating both the network and the people who help keep it moving.
The competition formed part of wider activity recognising World Public Transport Day and the role public transport plays in connecting communities across Greater Manchester. Blackpool Tramway introduces timetable changes to improve punctuality >>
Minor timetable adjustments are being introduced across the Blackpool Tramway from 17 May, with updated timings designed to improve punctuality and service reliability ahead of the busy summer season. Daytime services will continue to operate every 15 minutes between Fleetwood Ferry and Starr Gate.
Blackpool Transport says the changes will help support more consistent operations while ongoing maintenance and investment works continue across the network. Adjustments will affect departure times at several stops, including Starr Gate, North Station and North Pier.
Edinburgh Trams has announced a new partnership with RAPAID Emergency Bandages to carry emergency trauma kits across the tram network. From this week, military-grade emergency bandages will be stored in the cabs of all 27 trams and support vehicles, helping improve access to life-saving equipment across the city.
The initiative, supported by Babcock International Group, builds on similar schemes already operating across UK transport networks and public venues. Passengers will be able to access the kits through onboard staff or emergency help points in the event of a serious incident.
Edinburgh Trams has also issued a reminder to customers about bicycle carriage rules ahead of the busy summer and festival season. Up to two bicycles can generally be carried free of charge during off-peak periods, subject to available space and guidance from onboard staff.
Restrictions remain in place during weekday peak hours and during major events, including concerts and the Edinburgh Festival period, when services experience significantly higher passenger numbers. The operator has also reiterated that e-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted onboard trams.
Fire crews from South Yorkshire and Derbyshire have taken part in a joint emergency response exercise at Sheffield’s Supertram depot as part of an ongoing cross-border training programme. The exercise included operational briefings on tram and tram-train vehicles, as well as a practical scenario involving a simulated casualty beneath a tram.
Crews also tested specialist lifting equipment on Supertram vehicles, helping strengthen operational coordination and preparedness across both fire services.
A new opinion piece by Keolis UK CEO Alistair Gordon has highlighted the growing case for a coordinated national approach to light rail development across Britain. Writing ahead of the 20th anniversary UK Light Rail Conference, Alistair argues that tram and light rail systems should sit at the centre of integrated urban transport planning rather than being treated as secondary infrastructure.
The article outlines the long-term economic and regeneration benefits associated with fixed rail systems, pointing to networks including Manchester Metrolink, Nottingham Express Transit and the Docklands Light Railway as examples of how light rail can support sustainable growth, connectivity and investment confidence in cities.
Nottingham Express Transit is encouraging visitors to travel by tram to this weekend’s Super Soapbox Challenge in Nottingham city centre, with Old Market Square tram stop located directly beside the event route. Thousands of spectators are expected to attend the popular event, which sees homemade carts race down a ramp through the city centre.
NET will also take part in the challenge itself, with staff from across the organisation building a tram-inspired soapbox cart for the event. The operator says travelling by tram will help visitors avoid congestion and make journeys into the city centre easier during the busy event.
Iarnród Éireann has launched the second public consultation for Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme, including proposals for new stations, network electrification and expanded rail services across the Cork region.
The plans also reference future integration with Cork’s proposed Luas light rail system as part of wider ambitions for a more connected public transport network.
The programme includes proposals for additional stations, a new rail depot, park-and-ride facilities, and electrification infrastructure, designed to support higher-frequency rail services and long-term, sustainable transport growth across Cork.
Transport for London has introduced a series of updates to the TfL Go app, including enhanced fare capping information and expanded journey-planning tools for passengers travelling across the capital’s public transport network, including London Trams. Customers can now more easily track when they reach daily or weekly contactless fare caps in the app.
The latest improvements also build on existing real-time disruption alerts for London Trams, the DLR, Tube and Overground services, helping passengers plan journeys more easily and access live travel information across the network.
Luas and operator Transdev Dublin Light Rail have continued their support for the Saints & Scholars programme, delivered in partnership with St Patrick’s Athletic FC. The initiative brings together schools, football coaches and transport representatives to promote education, community engagement and youth development across the Inchicore area.
The programme uses football and Luas-themed maths activities to help pupils apply numeracy skills through real-world scenarios. Last year, more than 1,300 students across 11 schools took part, with the initiative expanding further in 2026.
Surplus materials from Tyne and Wear Metro renewal works are helping support the restoration of the Woodhorn Narrow Gauge Railway in Ashington. Volunteers working to bring the heritage railway back into operation later this year have received donated items, including concrete ballast blocks, scaffolding boards, timber posts and plywood sheeting from the ongoing redevelopment of Whitley Bay Metro station.
The materials will be used to support infrastructure work on the site, including the construction of a retaining wall and ballast store, while also giving a second life to items that may otherwise have gone to landfill.
Heritage Highlights:
A group of tram and railway enthusiasts from North America recently visited Blackpool as part of a wider tour exploring light rail and heritage tramway systems across the British Isles.
Organised with support from UKTram Heritage Tramway Committee Vice Chair Ian Longworth, the visit formed part of a wider programme coordinated for members of the Electric Railroad Association, with visitors travelling from across the United States and Canada.
Seaton Tramway is highlighting its annual loyalty card scheme, offering discounted travel and visitor benefits across the heritage tramway and partner attractions. The scheme includes reduced tram fares, discounts on special events, café purchases and selected local visitor destinations.
The loyalty card is designed to encourage repeat visits and support wider tourism activity linked to the heritage tramway and the surrounding area.
The National Tramway Museum will host a special model tram display this May featuring part of the late Robert Whetstone collection, created during the 1960s and 1970s. Visitors will also be able to see a detailed 1/8 scale exhibition layout of Birmingham tram no. 18 operating inside the Exhibition Hall.
The event offers enthusiasts and visitors an opportunity to explore the craftsmanship and detail behind historic tram modelling alongside the museum’s wider heritage collection.
The East Anglia Transport Museum is preparing to host the final edition of its popular 1960s weekend later this month, celebrating the sights, sounds and transport heritage of the era. The event will feature live music, visiting vehicles and unlimited rides on the museum’s trams, trolleybuses and railway.
Visitors will also be able to access a free shuttle bus service from Lowestoft as part of the two-day event, which has become a popular fixture in the museum’s annual calendar.
UKTram and LRSSB News: Tickets now available for UKTram & LRSSB Light Rail Summit 2026 >>
Tickets are now available for the UKTram & Light Rail Safety & Standards Board Light Rail Summit 2026, taking place in Birmingham on Wednesday, 16th September. This year’s theme, Smarter Systems, Stronger Networks, will bring together industry leaders, operators, suppliers and policymakers to explore the future of light rail and the role it continues to play within sustainable, integrated transport systems.
Following seven successful years as a free event, 2026 introduces a new ticketing approach, with all tickets available as a £10 charity donation (and a small booking fee). UKTram and LRSSB are pleased to confirm that ticket proceeds will be donated to Railway Children.
UKTram has begun work on the next phase of its strategy, with a renewed focus on strengthening member value and supporting the delivery of new light rail schemes across the UK. Held over two days at UKTram’s offices in Birmingham, the session brought together Board members and the wider team to reflect on the organisation’s role and agree priorities for the years ahead.Â
While the light rail sector continues to play a critical role in supporting decarbonisation, urban growth and integrated transport, discussions recognised that progress is often constrained by the challenge of turning ambition into funded, deliverable schemes. In response, UKTram is sharpening its focus on how it can best support promoters, government and industry partners to accelerate scheme development and delivery.
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