UK and Ireland Tram and Light Rail Round-up | Summer travel, network investment and heritage progress | 24th July 2026
- 8 hours ago
- 5 min read
In the UK and Ireland tram and light rail round-up this week: NET gets on board with Nottinghamshire Pride, free cycle travel supports passengers during Metrolink works and Edinburgh Trams prepares for two major concerts. Plus, engineering upgrades move the South Wales Metro forward, Blackpool Transport receives national recognition and West Midlands Metro promotes flexible summer travel. Heritage highlights this week include: funding for the full Douglas horse tram route, new carriages at Saltburn Cliff Tramway and fresh opportunities for young heritage volunteers.
ET is showing its support for Pride with the return of its rainbow tram, while celebrating the LGBTQ+ colleagues who help keep the network moving.
A revised timetable will operate during the Pride march on Saturday, with no services between Nottingham Station and Royal Centre between approximately 11.20am and 2.30pm. Trams will continue to run elsewhere on the network before the normal Saturday timetable resumes.
Passengers affected by Metrolink renewal works can access up to 20 minutes of free Starling Bike travel each day when collecting or returning a bike in Firswood, Chorlton or Salford Quays.
The offer is available while work continues at Trafford Bar, Deansgate-Castlefield and on part of the Eccles line until 2nd August. Several tram lines are suspended or operating altered services, with passengers encouraged to plan ahead and consider buses, trains, cycling or walking.
Extra trams planned for Luke Combs concerts Edinburgh Trams will operate additional services before and after Luke Combs’ concerts at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th July.
Due to the ongoing closure on Princes Street, trams are currently running between Edinburgh Airport and West End only. Concertgoers are being encouraged to plan ahead, with staff available on platforms to help passengers during the two event nights.
Blackpool Transport is in the running for four National Transport Awards, including Bus Operator of the Year and Tram Operator of the Year.
Its Lytham Line Service 11 has been shortlisted for Best Bus Service, while the Festive Family Saver ticket is nominated for Campaign of the Year.
White Lane tram stop on the Sheffield Supertram network is providing a colourful welcome for passengers, with its flowering bushes now in full bloom.
The Facilities team carries out annual maintenance to keep the greenery healthy and the stop looking its best throughout the year. The seasonal display shows how well-cared-for surroundings can help make everyday tram journeys that little bit brighter.
Tyne and Wear Metro workers rescue lost dog from busy stretch of line
Two Nexus Metro Operations Managers have been praised after rescuing a dog from the tracks between South Gosforth and Ilford Road.
Louis Meach and Alan Hudson located Bobby, a three-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, after services were cautioned to run at reduced speeds.
Transport for Wales will carry out major engineering work across the South Wales Metro between 25 July and 15 August.
The programme will affect sections of the Rhymney, Coryton, Cardiff Bay, Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr lines, with temporary closures and rail replacement buses operating during. The upgrades will support more frequent services while improving reliability and accessibility across the developing Metro network.
West Midlands Metro has launched its Own Your Summer campaign, encouraging passengers to use the tram for spontaneous days out and journeys into Birmingham. Services operate every four to 11 minutes, supported by park and ride facilities for passengers travelling into the city. Tickets are available through the MyMetro app, with selected options also sold at ticket machines.
Luas will operate Sunday hours and frequencies on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd August, with Green and Red Line services beginning at 7am. Normal operating hours will resume on 4th August.
Engineering work will also require a temporary closure of the Red Line between Red Cow and Tallaght and Saggart. Replacement buses will call at affected Luas stops throughout the closure.
KeolisAmey Metrolink is recruiting a Lifecycle Delivery Analyst to join its Asset Management Team. The role will support strategic asset management across the Metrolink network, with a focus on asset performance and infrastructure reliability.
Further details and applications are available through KeolisAmey Metrolink’s recruitment channels.
Heritage highlights
Tynwald has approved a funding package of up to £3 million to restore the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway along the full length of the Promenade. The project will reinstate the line between Broadway and the Sea Terminal, following approval of the extension plans in June.
The full route was last served in 2018, before the Douglas Promenade regeneration works.
New guidance opens the door for more young volunteers across heritage rail and tramways New guidance has been published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The guidance will make it easier for heritage railways and tramways to welcome young volunteers, providing greater clarity around opportunities for 14 to 16-year-olds to gain valuable experience in the sector.
Saltburn Cliff Tramway has moved closer to reopening after two newly built carriages were lifted onto its tracks on 21st July.
Final testing, commissioning and driver training will now take place, with passenger services expected to resume within the next fortnight.
Opened in 1884, the tramway links Saltburn with its pier and beach and remains Britain’s oldest operating water-balanced funicular.
The National Tramway Museum has opened its 2026 summer season and welcoming visitors daily until Monday 31st August. Weekday opening hours are 10am to 4.30pm, extending to 5.30pm at weekends.
The operating fleet includes London County Council No. 1, Glasgow No. 22 and Blackpool No. 762.
Seaton Tramway and Jurassic Discovery will welcome the Natural Seaton Festival back for its fifth year on Saturday 25th July. The event will celebrate the local community and natural environment, with activities taking place between 10am and 5pm.
The programme will include entertainment, food, retail stalls and activities for visitors of all ages.
The Mixed-Use Railway community has commended a new rail trial connecting Bewdley with Birmingham as a practical example of Mixed-Use Railway thinking. The Severn Valley Railway has joined forces with West Midlands Rail Executive and West Midlands Railway to launch an eight-week trial, beginning on September 1st, 2026.
UKTram and LRSSSB Updates
UKTram is shining a spotlight on the experiences of young people who stepped behind the scenes of light rail during Work Experience Week, held from July 6th to July 10th, 2026.Â
Across the UK and the Isle of Man, placements gave students an opportunity to explore the people, skills and processes that keep tramways moving.
UKTram welcomes Arup as its newest member, a global consultancy with more than 80 years of experience, delivering sustainable transport solutions worldwide through integrated strategy, planning, engineering and design.
The organisation joins UKTram during a period of renewed momentum for light rail, marked by growing interest in mass transit, increased devolution and evolving transport policy.
LRSSB communications manager recognised at transport awards Carly Swift, Marketing and Communications Manager at the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, has won the digital communications category at the Leadership in Passenger Transport Awards.
The award was presented during the Leadership in Passenger Transport awards ceremony at Indigo at The O2 in London.
The next round-up will be published on Friday, 31st 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