UKTram members champion collaboration and innovation at Rail Live 2026

UKTram representatives attended this year’s Rail Live event at Porterbrook’s Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre, joining thousands of delegates from across the rail and transport industry to explore the latest developments shaping the future of transport.

Held on the 17th and 18th June, Rail Live is the UK's largest outdoor rail exhibition, showcasing the latest technologies, products and ideas from operators, suppliers and infrastructure specialists across the sector.

As delegates, UKTram representatives explored a wide range of innovations on display, from digital technologies to practical solutions to support the maintenance and operation of rail networks.

The event highlighted the strength and diversity of the UK’s rail supply chain, with organisations from across the UK and overseas demonstrating new products and services.

A particular highlight for the light rail community was the panel discussion, held within the Engineering & Safety Theatre. Titled “Comparing light rail schemes across the country. Where are they at, what are the next steps and what can be done to make light rail a more appealing proposition?”, the session explored the current position of schemes across the UK while looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

Chaired by Lucy Prior, Business Development Lead – Rail at Octavius the panel featured UKTram Board Members Sophie Allison, Managing Director of West Midlands Metro and Nicola Small, Very Light Rail Programme Director at Coventry City Council; along with Melanie Cocoran, Executive Director of Transport at South Yorkshire Combined Authority; Colin Rowcliffe, Operations Director Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility UK&I; and Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at Transport for Wales.

The discussion highlighted the diversity of light rail schemes being developed across the country and the importance of collaboration in advancing projects. Panellists spoke about the value of sharing knowledge, embracing innovation and learning from experience as networks continue to evolve.

The role of UKTram and the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) in supporting collaboration and encouraging best practice across the sector was also recognised throughout the discussion.

Simon Lomax - RAIB and Tim Bilby - UKTram

A challenge was put to stakeholders and the supply chain to be bold in their thinking and open to trying new approaches through managed risk, helping ensure the positive momentum currently being seen across the sector continues.

Reflecting on the event, Phill Terry, UKTram Lead Engineer, noted the pace of technological advancement across the rail industry and the growing range of digital solutions entering the market. Alongside these developments, there was also recognition that innovation is not always about large-scale change, with practical improvements and everyday tools continuing to play an important role in maintaining and improving transport networks.

Events such as Rail Live provide an important opportunity to continue the conversations and collaborations that will help shape the future of transport. Thank you to the organisers for hosting another fantastic event, and to everyone we met and connected with over the two days – we look forward to continuing the conversation.