UKTram relaunches Operational Innovation Group to support collaboration and new ideas across the light rail sector

UKTram has relaunched its Operational Innovation Group, establishing a dedicated forum for the light rail sector to explore new ideas, share operational experience, and identify practical opportunities for innovation.

The first meeting established the group’s direction, focusing on how operators can learn from each other and support continuous improvement. Unlike UKTram's technical working groups, the Operational Innovation Group is designed specifically to encourage innovation and provide a forum for members to explore emerging ideas and future opportunities.

At the meeting’s opening, UKTram's Stakeholder and Innovation Manager, Tim Bilby, stated that the group will focus on sharing best practices and encouraging open discussion of both successful initiatives and lessons learned, acknowledging that valuable insights come from understanding both successes and setbacks.

Representatives from light rail systems across the UK participated in the initial session, contributing ideas for future meetings and identifying common themes where increased collaboration could benefit the sector.

Procurement emerged as a key theme, with members discussing challenges in navigating public sector procurement processes and opportunities to better understand available flexibility within existing frameworks. UKTram will consider inviting procurement specialists to a future meeting to provide practical guidance and address member questions.

The discussion also identified several areas where the group can facilitate knowledge sharing in the future, with attendees expressing a strong appetite for shared learning and problem-solving.

Reflecting on the meeting, Tim Bilby said:

"It was encouraging to see such a positive response to the first meeting. There was a clear willingness to share ideas and discuss the challenges that many systems are facing. We've already identified some potential areas for future sessions and we're looking forward to developing the group into a forum where members can learn from one another and explore ways of moving the sector forward."

The Operational Innovation Group will meet quarterly, with future sessions shaped by member feedback and focused on topics that support operational improvement and innovation across the UK's light rail networks.