UKTram Managing Director highlights long-term benefits of trams in CIHT interview
- UKTram
- Sep 29
- 1 min read
Trams remain one of the most effective tools for sustainable growth, regeneration and modal shift in UK cities, according to UKTram Managing Director James Hammett in a recent feature for the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).
In conversation with writer Tom Austin-Morgan, James reflected on renewed momentum for light rail, following fresh funding announcements for projects in Coventry and Birmingham. He explained how devolved powers are enabling local authorities to prioritise transport solutions that best connect new housing and industry.
“An electric bus might last five to seven years, whereas a tram will last 30. Over its life cycle, trams are a lot better value for money,” he noted. “Unlike bus routes, which can be rerouted or withdrawn, trams represent fixed infrastructure that anchors development. Businesses build around fixed infrastructure, that’s where light rail wins.”
The interview also underlined how trams’ high frequency, reliability, and energy efficiency support both modal shift and the UK’s net zero ambitions, while complementing other modes of transport as part of an integrated network.
Highlighting success stories such as Manchester’s Bee Network, Mr Hammett emphasised that “trams provide the backbone, with buses, bikes, taxis and emerging mobility options feeding into and complementing the fixed network.”
The full article, published by CIHT and produced by Think Publishing, is available here.
4 reasons why we all love trams! But I put it in context.
The trams are attracting people out of their cars and onto public transport.
For the last 70 years of tram and train destruction, there is only evidence that it is that policy that has made public transport worse, less attractive, caused road congestion, crammed trains and worsened the climate emergency.
They also make public transport users feel like they are not second-class citizens.
First class citizens like lawyers and other VIPs all use public transport. It was 10th rate work by our councillors and transport planners who are responsible for the complete wipe out of the trams in the 50s followed by the double tragedy of urban commuter railway lines…