UKTram contributes to next stage of Mass Transit Taskforce work

UKTram continues to support the Government’s Mass Transit Taskforce as a series of roundtables begins across the UK. The Taskforce was established earlier this year to explore how to address barriers to faster, more effective delivery of mass transit schemes. Following its recent call for evidence, it is now holding a series of roundtables and site visits to gather further insight from organisations involved in planning and delivering mass transit.

UKTram submitted a comprehensive response to the call for evidence, drawing on expertise from its team, members, partners and Functional Groups. The submission highlighted opportunities to create a consistent approach to mass transit delivery, retain skills and expertise between projects, and address challenges earlier in development.

UKTram will be represented during the next stage of the Taskforce’s work. Simon Coulthard, Head of Light Rail at Network Rail and a UKTram Board member, attended the first roundtable in Cardiff on September 8th. Around 25 representatives attended the session, including colleagues from Transport for Wales, GCRE and Keolis, alongside Expert Advisers and members of the Mass Transit Taskforce team. Discussions focused on policy development, strategic fit and public and stakeholder consultation, before attendees visited the Cardiff Crossrail project. Following the event, Simon reflected: 

“The Cardiff roundtable was a really positive session, with good engagement from across the organisations represented and plenty of opportunity to contribute to the discussion. There was a strong focus on policy development, strategic fit and public and stakeholder consultation, followed by a site visit to the Cardiff Crossrail project. It was valuable to hear different perspectives and contribute UKTram’s experience to the conversation.”

Further roundtables are taking place in London, Leeds, Birmingham, Belfast and Glasgow over the coming weeks, with international sessions in Dublin and Angers, France, with attendance by invitation only.

UKTram Managing Director James Hammett is also one of the 32 expert advisers appointed to support the Taskforce, alongside Sophie Allison, Managing Director of West Midlands Metro. The programme also allows UKTram to ensure experience from across the light rail sector informs discussions on how to plan and deliver future mass transit schemes more effectively.