UKTram represents sector at TransCityRail North debate on the future of light rail

UKTram Board Member Lindsay Murphy represented the organisation at TransCityRail North 2025 in Manchester last week, joining transport professionals to discuss the role of light rail and mass transit in shaping the North’s transport future.

As part of the Leader’s Debate: The Future of Light Rail and Mass Transit in the North of England, Lindsay shared the stage with Melanie Corcoran, Executive Director of Transport at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and James Hill, Urban Transit Director at Egis. 

The discussion explored the critical role that light rail plays in building integrated transport networks, particularly in cities striving for economic growth and connectivity.  

Reflecting on the debate, Lindsay said the event reinforced

“the clear benefits of a joined-up transport model, where modal integration can support access to work, education, healthcare and leisure.” 

Lindsay added: 

“This model works, not just here in the UK but around the world. The mayors understand its value and are fully behind it. What we now need is for central government to uphold their commitment, providing dedicated support and a strategic approach.’’ 

The panel also discussed the importance of collective learning from past and current light rail projects, with Lindsay noting that UKTram and its members bring together a wealth of expertise from across the UK and internationally. She emphasised that while lessons-learned exercises are already embedded in Department for Transport funding requirements, there is scope to strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing across projects. 

TransCityRail North once again provided a valuable platform for collaboration, showcasing how the light rail sector is uniting behind a shared vision of growth and integrated transport for the North of England.