UKTram joins international discussions at Urban Tram Forum in Brussels

UKTram Managing Director James Hammett joined light rail professionals from across the world at the 2026 Urban Tram Forum (UTF) Annual Meeting, held in Brussels, Belgium, on 1st and 2nd October.

Image Credit: STIB

The annual meeting gave representatives from Europe, North America and Australia an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience on the challenges facing tramway and light rail systems, with a particular focus on safety, operations and the interaction between trams and other users of urban spaces. 

STIB-MIVB, Brussels’ Public Transport Operator, hosted the meeting and runs the city’s tram, metro and bus networks. Brussels has a long and impressive tramway history, dating back to its first horse-drawn tramway in 1869. 

Its metro network recently celebrated its 50^th anniversary in September this year. Today, STIB operates 18 tram lines across a network extending approximately 150 kilometres. STIB welcomed delegates with presentations about its network and operations, alongside site visits that offered an opportunity to see the city's transport system. The programme provided insight into the experience of an established European tramway operator and its approach to managing and developing its services.

Image Credit: STIB

This year's discussions also covered a range of topics, including Climate Resilience, Cyclist and Pedestrian Interfaces, Trap and Drag Prevention and Disruption Management. Delegates shared lessons learned and approaches adopted across networks, offering perspectives on issues affecting tramway operations internationally. 

For UKTram, the meeting offered an opportunity to learn from other countries' experiences and identify insights to share with members through its Functional Groups. 

James Hammett, Managing Director of UKTram, said: 

“The Urban Tram Forum offers a great opportunity to hear how colleagues around the world are approaching many of the challenges we face across light rail. 

“What stands out is the openness of the discussions and the willingness of everyone involved to share their experiences, including lessons learned along the way. There's a great deal we can take from these conversations and feed back into our Functional Groups for the benefit of UKTram members.” 

The meeting highlighted the importance of continued international cooperation, with the exchange of practical experience and knowledge helping organisations learn from one another and inform improvements across tramway systems.