UKTram Light Rail News Round-up | Fare Updates, Charity Initiatives and Heritage highlights | Friday 28th November 2025
- UKTram
- 3 hours ago
- 8 min read
In this week’s UKTram light rail news round-up: NET confirms updated fares and expanded digital payment incentives, Supertram celebrates staff progression and government backs next stage of DLR extension. Plus, updates on the Luas Red Line services following bridge reconstruction, Edinburgh Trams' safety requirements for works near the network and Metrolink's donation 155kg of clothing for charity. Heritage highlights this week include London Transport Museum's virtual tour of historic Feltham tram and Seaton Tramway's upcoming Discovery Talk with long-standing volunteer Mark Horner.
Nottingham Express Transit (NET) has announced a series of fare changes coming into effect on 1 December, including increases across several ticket types and the continuation of a pricing structure designed to encourage streamlined digital payments. Adult Single and Day tickets will rise by 10–15p when using contactless validators, with slightly higher prices applied to purchases made via the NETGO! app and ticket machines.
Weekly, Student and Under-22 tickets will also see small adjustments, with NET emphasising that the updated fares remain below current inflation and lower than recent increases across the heavy rail sector. Full details will be available on the NETGO! app and NET website from the start of December. West Midlands Metro prepares to introduce £100 penalty fare and new ticketing system >>
West Midlands Metro has confirmed that penalty fares will increase from £10 to £100 in the New Year as part of wider plans to modernise the network’s ticketing arrangements.
The operator is moving towards a Buy Before You Board policy, supported by new validator poles that will enable tap-in/tap-out contactless payments alongside existing options such as ticket machines, the MyMetro app and Swift. Metro says the change aims to promote fairness for passengers and deter fare evasion, with customer teams equipped to check tickets and issue penalties once the new system is in place.
Supertram has shared another positive staff milestone on LinkedIn, announcing that conductors Dawn, Julia and Zoe have begun their driver training.
The operator regularly highlights new starters and career development across the network, showcasing the pathways available for colleagues progressing into operational roles. Its latest update reflects Supertram’s continued focus on professional development and recognising the achievements of its workforce as they move toward becoming fully qualified tram drivers.
Supertram colleagues took part in the Sheffield 10K, with one team member running in support of Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity and the operator contributing to the fundraising efforts. The update forms part of Supertram’s ongoing Tramendous Together programme, which supports colleague-nominated charities and wider community initiatives across the region.
The initiative continues to highlight the operator’s focus on social value and its commitment to backing staff-led fundraising and local causes.
With the festive season just around the corner, Blackpool Transport have delivered an early Christmas present for families looking to make the most of events and attractions on the Fylde coast.
Available until January 5, 2026, the Festive Family Saver ticket enables one or two adults and up to three children, aged 16 or under, to enjoy a day of unlimited travel for just under ten pound.
By taking a tram or bus, locals don’t have to worry about driving home after a visit to a local restaurant, and for visitors, they offer the best way to get around all the sights and attractions.
The Festive Family Saver is now available to buy on all Blackpool Transport buses and trams and the mobile app. It can also be purchased online here.
KeolisAmey Docklands held a well-attended Meet the Manager event at Woolwich Arsenal, engaging with more than 40 customers throughout the day. Passengers were particularly interested in the ongoing escalator upgrade works, giving the team an opportunity to explain the importance of the improvements for long-term safety and reliability.
Feedback was positive, with many customers expressing satisfaction with DLR services, reinforcing the value of regular face-to-face engagement across the network.
Edinburgh Trams is reminding contractors of the Authority to Work permit process, which must be agreed before any activity takes place on or near the tramway. The Permit+ system, introduced in 2023, has now processed more than 3,000 permits, providing a fully digital, transparent way to manage applications and maintain safety oversight.
With overhead line equipment remaining live unless formally de-energised, and ground-level works posing potential operational risks, the operator emphasises the importance of early engagement to ensure safe working and up-to-date communication with the Control Centre.
Transport for London has welcomed the government’s support for the proposed Docklands Light Railway extension to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, a scheme expected to unlock major regeneration opportunities across east London.
The project could deliver up to 30,000 new homes and around 10,000 jobs, supported by improved public transport links that reduce car dependency and strengthen cross-river connectivity. Subject to approvals, enabling works could begin as early as 2027, with the extension planned to open in the early 2030s, marking a significant step forward for sustainable, high-capacity mass transit in the capital.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland has confirmed that full Luas Red Line services between Connolly and The Point will resume on the 28th November, following the successful reconstruction of Georges Dock bridge after August’s fire incident.
The works included detailed assessment, reinstatement of tracks, OCS infrastructure and utilities, delivered through close collaboration between TII, Transdev, Jons Civil Engineering and project partners. Approval from the Commission for Railway Regulation has enabled the network to return to normal operations ahead of the busy Christmas period, with all organisations involved acknowledging the strong coordination that supported such a rapid restoration of service.
Luas has confirmed planned lift upgrade works at Phibsborough, with each lift taken out of service on separate dates across early December. The southbound Cabra Road lift will be closed from the 1st to the 5th of December, followed by the northbound North Circular Road lift from the 8th to the 12th December, while stairs and full tram services remain unaffected throughout. Passengers requiring lift access will be directed to the alternative entrance during each closure, as essential maintenance continues to support safe and reliable operations across the Green Line.
New data highlights the significant impact of Metrolink’s Trafford Park Line, which removed almost 700,000 car and taxi journeys from the road network in 2024/25 and continues to offer a strong alternative to driving, with a third of passengers saying they would otherwise travel by car. The line has also supported major regeneration, with planning activity in Trafford Park doubling since its opening and the average value of proposed developments rising by 76%.
High-profile schemes, including the £250m Therme Manchester project, have cited the improved transport links as a key factor in investment decisions, reinforcing the role of light rail in shaping Greater Manchester’s long-term economic growth.
KeolisAmey Metrolink has reported the donation of more than 155kg of clothing to Barnabus Manchester, marking one of the charity’s largest collections in a single month. Items will be distributed to people experiencing homelessness or sold at the Barnabus Fashion Event in early 2026, with all proceeds supporting the charity’s work. The initiative highlights the ongoing commitment of Metrolink colleagues to social impact and sustainability, while also helping to reduce textile waste.
As reported by British Trams Online, Blackpool Transport has announced further Frigate Illumination Tours on Fridays and Saturdays throughout December and early January, excluding 26th and 27th of December. Three tours will operate each evening at 17:30, 19:00 and 20:30, with tickets priced at £15 for adults and £10 for children, including unlimited travel on the modern tramway for the day.
Services will run from Pleasure Beach to Little Bispham before returning south, with a request stop at North Pier and Tower for visitors attending Christmas by the Sea. Progress continues on restoration of Glasgow Coronation Car 1245 >>
As reported by British Trams Online, restoration work on Glasgow Coronation Car 1245 at Summerlee is entering its final stages, with the team aiming to complete major works during 2026. The tram, often referred to as “Glasgow’s Last Tram”, has been undergoing a comprehensive restoration since 2011, following a long preservation journey across several museums and depots.
Recent progress includes completion of external paintwork, trial fitting of lower deck seating and the start of air brake piping installation, marking another important milestone for the historic fleet.
Seaton Tramway has announced the next event in its Discovery Talk series, featuring Mark Horner, who will present “Finding a Place to Call Home: The Tramway’s Long and Winding Road to Seaton” on Monday 1st December at 3:30pm. Mark first visited the tramway in 1976 and has held roles including Marketing & Operations Director, Managing Director and now Chairman, alongside volunteering as a driver. He is currently cataloguing the tramway’s archive, helping to preserve its rich history for future generations, and will share insights drawn from decades of involvement in the attraction’s development.
London Transport Museum has created a new 360-degree virtual tour of Feltham tram No. 355, allowing users to explore the vehicle’s interior and exterior directly from their browser. The interactive experience includes clickable hotspots linked to collection items and heritage information, and is accessible via smartphone, tablet, computer or VR headset without any additional downloads. The project, funded by the London Transport Museum Friends, offers an engaging way to experience one of the network’s historic trams currently stored at the Acton depot.
The Isle of Man’s historic railways are recruiting for an Electrical / Mechanical Rolling Stock Fitter, offering a rare opportunity to support one of the most distinctive heritage transport systems in the British Isles.
Based at Laxey MER Station, the role involves the inspection, maintenance and repair of high-voltage electrical and mechanical systems across the island’s iconic rolling stock. Working as part of a skilled engineering team, the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the continued safety, reliability and performance of these much-loved heritage assets UKTram and UKTram Member updates UKTram contributes sector insight at RIA Light Rail Member Interest Group >>
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.
On Wednesday, (November 26th) the Government signalled continued confidence in urban rail and mass transit schemes through this week’s Budget, setting out commitments that reinforce the role of light rail, tramways and metro-style systems.
UKTram will continue to work with Government, combined authorities and industry partners to ensure that light rail and other guided transport systems remain central to the UK’s vision for connected, thriving, low-carbon places.
On Friday, 21st November, UKTram Member, Pre Metro, welcomed Network Rail’s Mixed Use Rail (MUR) team to Stourbridge for a detailed showcase of the Stourbridge Shuttle operation, depot facilities and pioneering approach to low-cost branch line rail.
The visit began at Stourbridge Junction, where senior representatives from both organisations gathered before touring the Shuttle depot. The session provided valuable insight into Pre Metro’s unique operating model, which continues to deliver exceptional reliability and efficiency – making the Shuttle one of the most dependable rail services in the UK.
The next round-up will be published on Friday, 5th December, 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