UKTram announces new mutual membership agreement with the Permanent Way Institution (PWI)

UKTram is pleased to announce a new mutual membership agreement with the Permanent Way Institution (PWI), further strengthening collaboration between the UK’s light rail sector and one of the rail industry’s most respected professional bodies. 

As part of this agreement, UKTram has formally joined the PWI as a Corporate Member, reinforcing its commitment to technical excellence, cross-sector learning and workforce development across rail infrastructure. 

In return, the PWI has become the latest organisation to join UKTram’s growing community of members dedicated to supporting the future of light rail. 

Founded in 1884, the PWI is the only Professional Engineering Institution dedicated solely to rail infrastructure, providing technical training, events, and professional registration to more than 3,000 members and corporate partners. Its influence spans engineering, construction, consultancy and governance, making it an invaluable addition to the UKTram network. 

James Hammett, Managing Director of UKTram, commented: 

“We’re really pleased to have joined the PWI as a Corporate Member and equally proud to welcome them as a new member of UKTram. The expertise they bring in infrastructure engineering is highly relevant to the long-term sustainability and innovation of the light rail sector. We look forward to working together to promote knowledge-sharing and collaboration at a national level.” 

Joan Heery, Technical Services Director at the PWI said:

''We are delighted to join UK Tram as a corporate member, which will allow us to build on our existing strong partnership. Many of our members have experience working in the Light Rail Sector, and it is our ambition to help further raise the level of technical expertise in this area. The PWI held its first technical seminar on Light Rail in November 2024, which was very well received, and we are currently planning our second, which will take place in May 2026 in Leeds.'' 

This two-way partnership reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to high standards, sector development, and stronger connections between infrastructure, operations and policy. It also supports wider ambitions to promote light rail as a key component of integrated, sustainable transport in the UK. 

To learn more about the Permanent Way Institution, visit www.thepwi.org