UKTram contributes sector insight at RIA Light Rail Member Interest Group

Image Credit: RIA

UKTram played an active role at the RIA (Railway Industry Association) Light Rail Member Interest Group yesterday (Monday 24 November), where industry leaders and supply chain partners came together at Arup’s Birmingham office to discuss the growing opportunities within the UK’s evolving light rail landscape. The session, kindly hosted by Arup, brought a cross-section of organisations focused on the future of tramways and wider guided transport. 

The programme featured insight from Phil Harrison, Director at Arup, who outlined the organisation’s global capabilities in light rail, alongside updates from Martin Little, RIA Midlands & Eastern Engagement Manager, and Angus Brummitt-Brown of Coventry City Council, who shared the latest developments on Coventry Very Light Rail.  

Presentations from Colin Rowcliffe of Siemens Mobility, James Hill of Egis and Tom Maplethorpe of Midland Metro Alliance further highlighted the momentum across UK projects and the lessons being drawn from European networks.  

Representing the sector, UKTram Managing Director James Hammett provided an overview of UKTram’s current activity and the challenges and opportunities emerging across the sector.

James reflected on the value of continued engagement: 

"The event highlighted the importance of engaging with the wider supply chain to help solve some of the challenges facing the Light Rail Sector and n help build a wider support network."

Discussions also highlighted strong interest from the supply chain in supporting the sector on a range of emerging needs such as managing obsolescence and improving integrated public transport design to enable smoother transitions between modes.

Following the session, UKTram will continue working with RIA to support upcoming light rail-focused events, ensuring the sector remains well connected and equipped to respond to the opportunities ahead.