UKTram represented across two major industry events highlighting the growing role of light rail

Last week, UKTram representatives participated in two industry events, contributing to discussions on the future of light rail and integrated transport networks in the UK. Both events highlighted the growing momentum in the light rail sector and offered valuable opportunities to engage with organisations involved in infrastructure, engineering, operations, innovation, and regional transport development.

At the Railway Engineering Institution (RailEI) technical seminar in Leeds, UKTram Managing Director James Hammett provided an update on the expanding role of light rail in urban transport networks and regional connectivity.

The seminar at the Royal Aemouries Museum featured presentations from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Nexus, Stadler, Coventry City Council, AMCOGiffen, Mott MacDonald, and the University of Huddersfield, exploring the sector’s future direction.

James’ presentation addressed the growing recognition of light rail in national transport policy, government investment in local transport, devolved decision-making and light rail’s role in sustainable economic growth.

The event also featured a keynote session from Richard Hines, HM Chief Inspector of Railways at the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), who explored light rail from the regulator’s perspective. During his address, Richard highlighted the collaborative and supportive culture across the light rail sector, noting the positive role both UKTram and the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board continue to play in driving knowledge sharing. He also reflected on how the wider heavy rail sector could learn from the openness and partnership approach often seen within light rail.

Reflecting on the event, James Hammett said:

“It was a valuable seminar with strong engagement and positive discussion throughout the day. There is clearly growing interest in the role light rail can play within future transport networks, particularly as regions look at long-term connectivity and sustainable growth."

“It was also great to continue conversations with West Yorkshire at such an important point in the development of their mass transit plans and discuss how UKTram can support knowledge sharing and wider sector collaboration as schemes progress.”

In addition to RailEI, UKTram attended UK Rail 2026 at the NEC Birmingham as a Strategic Partner. The event highlighted light rail and future urban mobility throughout the conference programme. The two-day exhibition and conference facilitated discussions among organisations in rail infrastructure, technology, operations, engineering, digital systems, and transport innovation, with growing interest in light rail’s role in future integrated transport networks.

Light rail was a key focus of the programme, with presentations from Nicola Small on very light rail’s contribution to urban mobility and connectivity, as well as sessions on digital innovation, infrastructure delivery, safety technology, and next-generation systems.

UKTram Stakeholder and Innovation Manager Tim Bilby presented on lessons wider rail can learn from light rail, focusing on customer experience and clearer journey design.

Additional light rail-focused discussions included:

• Automatic Train Protection in U.S. light rail systems and lessons for Europe

• The role of innovation and integration in delivering future UK light rail infrastructure

• Technology-led approaches to improving tram and passenger safety.

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UKTram representatives engaged with organisations from the rail and wider transport industries over the two days, noting strong interest from those seeking to support the growth of the light rail sector.

UKTram Stakeholder and Innovation Manager Tim Bilby said:

“UK Rail hosted a valuable environment for discussion and collaboration across different parts of the industry. It was particularly encouraging to see growing interest in light rail from organisations across heavy rail, aviation and other sectors, looking at how they can contribute to future transport solutions.

“There was a strong sense throughout the event that light rail is becoming an increasingly important part of the wider transport conversation.”

UKTram’s Knowledge Manager, Dan Hill and Digital Marketing Manager, Chelsea Branch, also hosted a small Rising Stars careers session during the event, exploring the different pathways people take into rail and light rail careers. UKTram would like to thank Sandeep Kaur Dulay, Project Manager at West Midlands Metro, for supporting the session and sharing her own experience within the sector.

The organisation was pleased to support Women in Transport during the event and reconnect with colleagues and partners from across the industry. UKTram thanks everyone who attended the sessions, visited the UKtram srtand and contributed to discussions at both events.

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