UKTram contributes to light rail discussion at Railway Industry Association event in Sheffield
- 52 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Collaboration driving practical light rail solutions
UKTram joined industry partners in Sheffield for a collaborative event hosted by the Railway Industry Association (RIA), in partnership with Hitachi Rail and the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN), exploring light rail opportunities across South Yorkshire and beyond.
Voices from across the rail sector came together, including operators, suppliers, researchers and regional stakeholders, to examine how innovation and collaboration can support the future development of light rail systems.
A series of presentations provided insight into emerging technologies, research activity and regional ambitions, highlighting the growing role of light rail in delivering more sustainable and connected transport networks.
UKTram Managing Director James Hammett contributed to a panel discussion alongside Nicola Small (Transport for West Midlands), Carl Williams (Chief Executive, LRSSB), Andrew Dugdale (SYSTRA), Mark Smalley (Business Development Director, Rail Transport Systems) and Martin Little UKRRIN.
The panel debate focused on technology partnerships, improving stakeholder engagement and designing systems for operational value, reflecting key challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Reflecting on the event, James Hammett said:
“It’s always great to see events like this bringing the sector together to share ideas and challenge thinking. If we want to deliver light rail more effectively, it really comes down to collaboration across industry, but also across research and policy, making sure solutions are scalable and right for local needs.”
The discussion highlighted the importance of aligning innovation with real-world delivery, ensuring that new technologies and approaches are developed with operational outcomes in mind.
The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with exhibitors and explore a range of technologies and services supporting light rail development.
Events such as this continue to play an important role in bringing the sector together, enabling knowledge sharing and strengthening the partnerships needed to support the growth of light rail across the UK.