UKTram attends Coventry Very Light Rail seminar

UKTram attended an online seminar on Coventry Very Light Rail on 22^nd January 2026, delivered as part of a joint event hosted by the Institution of Civil Engineers West Midlands (Coventry and Warwickshire branch) and the Railway Civil Engineers Association. 

The event took place at Coventry Conferences, located at Coventry University Technology Park, with online access available for remote attendees. UKTram was represented online by Tim Bilby, Stakeholder and Innovation Manager. 

The seminar focused on the development of the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) system, a light rail scheme currently under development in Coventry and the first of its kind in the UK. Designed to reduce construction time and overall cost, CVLR aims to provide a more affordable and flexible alternative to conventional tram systems.

Each vehicle is expected to accommodate around 50 passengers, with future plans for autonomous operation. The system has been developed to support faster installation and lower capital costs, opening opportunities for light rail in locations where traditional schemes may previously have been unviable.

The session was led by Dr Christopher Micallef, Track Systems Programme Lead at Coventry City Council, who presented on the design, testing and development of the CVLR track system. Dr Christopher Micallef explained the challenge of the project (relating to target track build cost per kilometre) he had set out to meet, supported using battery-powered vehicles rather than overhead line equipment.

He went on to describe how he had innovatively designed a solution, highlighting the role of Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) in achieving cost and construction efficiencies. Following its successful application for CVLR, UHPC has since been adopted by HS2 for Colne Valley Viaduct, providing a strong example of light rail innovation benefiting the wider transport sector. 

Attendees heard how this solution had been tested successfully, along with next steps and wider possible benefits and applications, many of which are already being explored. The system’s economic case demonstrates how very light rail could deliver the benefits of light rail to towns, not only cities, where traditional tram systems may be too capital intensive.

The presentation provided a clear and informative overview of very light rail and its potential applications. CVLR demonstrates how innovation in materials, construction methods and system design can expand the role of light rail, supporting sustainable, accessible transport solutions beyond major city centres.

Following the seminar, Tim Bilby said

“Dr Christopher Micallef gave an excellent update on the work to date developing CVLR, not just as a solution for Coventry, but as something that can potentially benefit existing light rail systems for easier and cheaper renewals and unlock new-build VLR schemes in other locations. UKTram will be working with the Coventry City Council team to support this sector opportunity.'' 

Link to Youtube Seminar: 22 Jan 2026 RCEA Seminar - Coventry Very Light Rail