UKTram Light Rail News Round-up | Employee Excellence, Tram Stop Enhancements and Tramway Museum Society 70th anniversary | Friday 21st November 2025
- UKTram
- 6 hours ago
- 10 min read
Plenty going on in this week’s UKTram light rail news round-up: KeolisAmey Metrolink recognised for excellence in employee engagement, Luas invites customers to share feedback through online ‘Meet the Manager’ survey, West Midlands Metro launches tram door safety campaign, Supertram enhances surroundings at Meadowhall South/Tinsley, Government expected to approve £1.7bn DLR extension to Thamesmead, TII invites tenders for MetroLink Programme Delivery Partner and Tramway Museum Society marks its 70th anniversary. Plus updates from the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, UKTram and The PWI.
Luas is continuing its customer engagement programme with the latest Meet the Luas Manager event- this time encouraging passengers to take part online.
The initiative gives customers the chance to share views on services, accessibility, and overall journey experience. Feedback gathered helps shape improvements across both the Red and Green Lines.
For anyone unable to attend in person, Luas is inviting customers to complete the online survey, with further opportunities to participate throughout the year as the engagement programme continues.
A recent feature by Alistair Gordon, CEO for Keolis UK, Ireland, Middle East and India, has shone a spotlight on the people-focused transformation taking place across Manchester’s Metrolink network.
While infrastructure debates often dominate the headlines, KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) has been strengthening its culture from within, introducing new leadership models, boosting employee engagement and investing heavily in skills and future talent.
Recent initiatives include a shift towards more human-centred leadership and programmes such as Leading KAM, apprenticeships, mentoring schemes, and STEM outreach across Greater Manchester. With over 19,000 young people reached, and a growing focus on inclusion, the operator continues to build a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
Despite freezing temperatures and several colleagues off sick the NET leadership team were out in the community this week as part of Keolis Planet Day, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and local pride.
The Managing Director, Head of HR and HR Manager led by example, taking part in a litter-picking session to help keep Nottingham’s streets clean and support the communities the network serves.
Keolis Nottingham hopes to make these sessions a regular activity, reinforcing how small collective actions can contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
Blackpool Transport will introduce a winter timetable from 30 November, adjusting services to reflect quieter seasonal travel patterns while maintaining strong daytime frequency. Customers can expect four trams per hour along the mainline and two per hour via North Station, with trams running every 15 minutes between Starr Gate and Pleasure Beach.
The changes also support essential maintenance and annual fleet inspections ahead of the busy spring and summer season. Blackpool Transport says it will continue to monitor performance over the winter to inform future service enhancements.
Edinburgh Trams has reaffirmed its role in supporting major matchday travel after extending its Community Impact Partnership with Edinburgh Rugby for the 2025/26 season. The agreement continues the operator’s sponsorship of stand-off Ross Thompson and reinforces its push for sustainable travel to Hive Stadium.
Since 2014, trams have offered one of the easiest routes to both Murrayfield and Hive Stadiums, with the Murrayfield stop consistently among the busiest on the network. This season, Edinburgh Trams will also have a presence in the Hive Stadium Fan Zone, selling tickets to help fans head home smoothly after the final whistle.
With millions expected to visit the city for markets, shopping and major events, TfGM is encouraging customers to use Bee Network buses and trams to avoid heavy traffic. Trams will run later on Fridays and Saturdays , until 1am, with extra double trams at busy times to support demand.
To help people travel more easily, four pop-up Park and Ride sites will open every weekend from the 22nd November to the 21st December, offering 1,000 free parking spaces and direct express buses into the city centre. With trams from £1.40 and £2 bus fares, public transport provides a simple and affordable way to enjoy Manchester’s festive season.
KeolisAmey Metrolink has received two accolades at this year’s Appreciation Awards, securing Gold for Best Benefits Launch following the rollout of its Traxx digital engagement platform, and Bronze for Most Impactful Reward & Recognition Strategy.
The achievements highlight the operator’s continued focus on strengthening communication, recognition and workplace culture, with staff engagement placed firmly at the centre of its approach
Supertram’s Facilities team is carrying out improvement works around Meadowhall South/Tinsley tram stop, one of the network’s busiest locations. The area had become heavily overgrown, and the team has now planted more than 450 spring bulbs, sown wildflower seeds and carried out painting and tidy-up works to create a more welcoming environment.
Although the full results will appear in early spring, customers can expect more colour and greenery throughout the year as the planting becomes established. The initiative follows similar work at Manor Top, which received excellent feedback from passengers.
As reported by Rail Magazine, the Government is set to approve a £1.7 billion extension of the Docklands Light Railway to Thamesmead, with confirmation expected in the upcoming Budget.
Long championed by Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor of London, the scheme is regarded as a transformative investment for one of the capital’s least connected districts. The extension would open up major development zones on both sides of the Thames, with Treasury analysis suggesting it could support up to 25,000 new homes and create thousands of jobs.
The project would deliver improved cross-river connectivity and is seen as a significant step towards unlocking sustainable growth across East and South-East London.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has launched the tender process for the Programme Delivery Partner (PDP) Support Services Contract for MetroLink, marking another major milestone for what will be one of Ireland’s largest infrastructure programmes.
Backed by a dedicated €2 billion allocation from the Government’s Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund and inclusion in the National Development Plan 2025, the PDP will play a central role in supporting TII and its partners. The appointed organisation will provide expert guidance across programme delivery, helping ensure MetroLink is completed on time, within budget and to the highest safety and quality standards.
The procurement process is being managed through eTenders to ensure transparency and fairness, and interested organisations can now access full details via the official portal.
West Midlands Railway has unveiled a new name for one of the two units operating on the Stourbridge Shuttle, following a community competition. The train now carries the name The Stourbridge Lion, commemorating the pioneering locomotive built in the town in 1829 and later becoming the first steam engine to run in America.
The naming marks a timely nod to local railway heritage as Britain nears the end of Railway 200, celebrating 200 years since the Stockton & Darlington Railway opened. It follows the recent naming of the second shuttle unit as George the Station Cat. Metro technician retires after four decades of service >>
Nexus has paid tribute to Alex Carr, who is set to retire after an impressive 40 years maintaining ticket machines across the Tyne and Wear Metro. Alex joined the organisation as an apprentice electrician in 1985 and went on to lead the Automatic Fare Collection team, overseeing 225 machines and gate lines across the network’s 60 stations.
During his career he supported major transitions, from analogue machines to the current digital estate, and played a key role in introducing automatic ticket gates in 2012. He also navigated more recent challenges, including preparing equipment for polymer banknotes and ensuring reliable operation throughout the pandemic. Alex retires on 1 December, marking the end of a 44-year career in public transport. Reflecting on his service, he said he was “proud to have looked after these ticket machines over so many years.”
West Midlands Metro will reopen Wolverhampton St George’s next week following essential signalling and infrastructure upgrades linked to the wider expansion of the network. The stop has been closed since 2023 to allow improvement works associated with the redevelopment of Wolverhampton Station.
From Monday 17 November, a new timetable will see trams alternate between Wolverhampton St George’s and Wolverhampton Station, offering customers more choice and improved connections across the city. Metro Head of Operations and Safety, Anthony Stanley, said the reopening marks “another important milestone” ahead of services launching on the Birmingham Eastside extension, adding that the upgrades support the region’s long-term goals for sustainable transport.
West Midlands Metro launches tram door safety campaign ahead of network expansion >>
West Midlands Metro is stepping up passenger awareness with a new campaign focused on tram door awareness and etiquette. While the initiative comes as the network prepares for the opening of Birmingham Eastside Extension, the message is relevant for everyone, from first-time passengers to seasoned commuters across the entire Metro system.
The campaign introduces a series of short, informative videos that highlight common mistakes like rushing through closing doors, trying to force doors open or blocking exits, and offers simple, practical tips to keep everyone safe and the service running smoothly.
Coventry’s pioneering Very Light Rail (VLR) programme has been profiled by Air Quality News, following the successful operation of a 220-metre test track earlier this year, the first time VLR has run in a UK town or city. The feature charts nearly a decade of development and the city’s ambition to deliver a low-cost, low-disruption mass transit solution.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, who has championed the project from the outset, describes VLR as a transformational alternative to traditional schemes, rooted in Coventry’s identity and long-term vision for greener mobility. The article reflects on the early decision to move away from guided bus proposals and pursue a new technology capable of reducing carbon emissions and reshaping urban travel.
Heritage
The Tramway Museum Society (TMS) celebrated a major milestone this week, marking 70 years since its inaugural meeting on 18 November 1955. Formed from the Museum Committee of the Light Railway Transport League, the Society established the foundations for what would become the UK’s flagship working tramway museum at Crich.
Its origins stretch back to the late 1940s, when LRTL members preserved Southampton 45 following a special tour in 1948. A symbolic handover of the tram in Blackpool in 1955 paved the way for a dedicated organisation committed to preserving and operating historic vehicles.
Seventy years on, TMS continues to play a vital role in safeguarding the UK’s tramway heritage, driven by a long-standing community of volunteers whose work remains central to keeping the story of tramways alive for future generations.
Seaton Tramway has launched a Black Friday offer for this year’s THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Tram Ride, with customers receiving a special 20th anniversary mug when booking between now and 28 November. The popular seasonal event continues to attract strong demand, offering a themed journey inspired by the well-known Christmas film.
The 2.5-hour experience includes a trip to the ‘North Pole’, hot chocolate and cookies, festive entertainment and an appearance from Santa, with visitors encouraged to attend in pyjamas to match the spirit of the story. Wi
UKTram and LRSSB LRSSB appoints new Standards Manager >>
The Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) has appointed Matthew Wright as its new Standards Manager, following 18 months supporting a wide range of projects in his role as Research Coordinator. The newly created position reflects the sector’s growing focus on consistent, high-quality standards and continuous improvement.
Matthew will lead the development and maintenance of LRSSB’s standards and guidance library, ensuring documents keep pace with best practice, emerging technology and lessons learned from past incidents. He will also act as the organisation’s primary contact for BSI committees, CEN/ISO working groups and international collaborators.
UKTram has reinforced its commitment to cross-sector learning and technical knowledge, with UKTram's Lead Engineer, Phill Terry, attending two specialist events hosted by the Permanent Way Institution (PWI).
The sessions explored current challenges and innovations in electrification, renewals, sustainability and engineering practice, offering valuable insights and reflections for the light rail sector.
The official opening of the new South Wales Metro Depot at Taff’s Well marks a significant step forward for Transport for Wales (TfW) and a proud moment for the wider light rail sector. His Majesty King Charles’ visit drew national attention and the milestone reflects years of knowledge exchange and operational support facilitated by UKTram and its members.
While UKTram’s recent support has focused on helping TfW prepare for tram-train introduction, the roots of collaboration stretch back much further. Early strategic engagement sector experts and advocates helped shape the South Wales Metro concept and establish the long-term vision now being delivered.
The Railway Industry Association will host its next Member Interest Group on the 24th November at Arup’s Birmingham offices, with a focus on current priorities and future opportunities for the light rail sector. The session will bring together senior voices from across the industry, including UKTram Managing Director James Hammett, who will contribute to discussions on sector growth, innovation and upcoming programmes.
Speakers from Arup, Egis, Midland Metro Alliance, Coventry City Council, Siemens Mobility and RIA will also join the line-up, with the event offering valuable networking and knowledge-sharing for the wider supply chain. UKTram Members and Partner news
We’re proud to share that Dr Rob Carroll and Richard Briggs of Mott MacDonald have been awarded the Permanent Way Institution’s (PWI) President’s Award for their paper “What is Light Rail?” - a standout contribution to the sector that was recognised at the PWI’s annual celebration in Birmingham on the 5th November with Rob and Richard receiving their awards from PWI President, Chrisma Jain.
The President’s Award is presented to the best paper, published in the PWI Journal in the previous calendar year, and this year’s winning entry reflects the growing importance of light rail in the UK’s transport landscape. Rob and Richard’s paper was specially prepared for the PWI Journal to introduce the light rail sector to a wider rail industry audience; a testament to Mott MacDonald’s reputation for thought leadership and technical excellence.
As a corporate partner of Women in Transport, UKTram is pleased to support the organisation’s latest research initiative examining how women’s safety is being considered across the wider transport system, including walking routes, station environments, interchanges, and public transport.
Women in Transport’s Women’s Safety Group has launched a Baseline Survey on Tackling Transport Safety for Women & Girls, and is inviting contributions from anyone working in, using, or engaging with the transport network. The survey takes around 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
The next round-up will be published on Friday, 28th November, to be included in the round-up or the Members News section of the UKTram website, please send your press releases, event updates and career opportunities to chelsea.branch@uktram.co.uk
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