UKTram supports Campaign for Better Transport report launch in Parliament

Report authors, Brogan McPherson and Isobel Duxfield

As Better Transport Week shines a spotlight on the importance of cleaner, greener and better-connected communities, UKTram is reflecting on discussions held earlier this month at the launch of Campaign for Better Transport's latest report, Track Record: What Great British Railways Can Learn from British Rail, at the House of Commons. 

The event, which took place on the 3^rd of June, was hosted by Ben Plowden, Chair of Campaign for Better Transport and introduced by Ruth Cadbury MP, Chair of the Transport Committee, and explored how lessons from Britain's railway history can help shape the future of Great British Railways (GBR) and wider transport networks.

Attending as delegates, UKTram representatives heard discussion around several themes that resonate across both heavy and light rail, including the importance of investing in skills and developing a strong talent pipeline for the future.

The event also highlighted the need to empower people and organisations to act within increasingly large and complex transport structures, while maintaining a strong focus on customer experience and service delivery.

One of the key messages from the report was that many of the technologies required to improve railways already exist, with the challenge now centred on implementation and scaling successful solutions.

Discussions also explored the growing importance of stakeholder engagement as Great British Railways prepares to operate within a changing transport landscape shaped by regional devolution and increased local decision-making.

For UKTram, several of the report's conclusions reflected themes that are equally relevant to the light rail sector. 

Tim Bilby, Stakeholder and Innovation Manager at UKTram, said: 

"It was interesting to hear some of the similarities between the challenges and opportunities facing both heavy and light rail. The importance of investing in people and maintaining that strong customer focus are themes that resonate across the transport sector. 

"One of the report's key conclusions highlighted the opportunity for Great British Railways to help address regional inequalities while supporting economic growth and the transition to a more sustainable transport network. These are benefits that light rail can also deliver, and UKTram will continue to support this through initiatives and our work across the sector."

The event provided an opportunity to hear perspectives from across the rail industry and consider how lessons from the past can help shape the future of integrated transport networks.

As conversations continue around rail reform, devolution and the future of public transport, UKTram will ensure that the role of light rail remains part of the discussion, promoting its contribution to better-connected communities and improved transport outcomes across the UK and Ireland. 

To find out more about Better Transport Week 2026, including events taking place across the country and how to make your own sustainable transport pledge, read our latest blog.