UKTram sets out priorities for faster, more effective mass transit delivery

UKTram has submitted its response to the Mass Transit Taskforce's call for evidence, outlining recommendations to help the UK deliver mass transit schemes more efficiently and sustainably.

The comprehensive submission draws on experience from across the light rail sector and examines the lifecycle of mass transit projects, from their economic and social benefits and early business cases through to funding, procurement, construction, testing and eventual operation.

A key message running through UKTram’s response is the need to move away from treating every mass transit scheme as a standalone project. It highlights that many challenges that emerge during construction, procurement, or commissioning can often be traced back to earlier issues, including uncertain funding, fragmented governance, capability gaps, and insufficiently developed plans.

UKTram is calling for a clearer and more consistent national framework for mass transit, supported by appropriate local accountability, greater standardisation and better use of lessons already learned across established networks.

The response also highlights the importance of a visible, long-term pipeline of schemes. This would help authorities retain experienced teams and give the supply chain greater confidence to invest in skills, specialist capability, manufacturing and innovation.

UKTram also makes the case for considering the full value of light rail when assessing future schemes. Alongside moving large numbers of people efficiently, the evidence emphasises its potential to support modal shift, improve accessibility and contribute to regeneration, housing and investment.  

The submission comes as the Mass Transit Taskforce has announced a group of 32 expert advisers who will provide strategic guidance, technical expertise and industry insight as its work progresses.

Among those appointed are UKTram Managing Director James Hammett, UKTram Board member and West Midlands Metro Managing Director Sophie Allison, and UKTram Board member and Network Rail Head of Light Rail Simon Coulthard.

The taskforce will now take part in a number of Taskforce roundtables and meetings over the coming weeks, with UKTram asked to contribute across a broad range of focus areas.

James Hammett, Managing Director of UKTram, said: 

“I’d like to thank our team, members, partners and working groups for the time and expertise they have contributed. It's helped us to submit a comprehensive piece of evidence that reflects experience from across the sector.''

“We now look forward to the next stage of the Taskforce’s work and the roundtables and expert meetings taking place over the coming weeks. Our initial discussions have aligned closely with the recommendations in our submission, and we welcome the opportunity to continue contributing to these conversations.”

UKTram’s submission also identifies an ongoing role for its Centre of Excellence, Functional Groups and sector networks in sharing knowledge and lessons between established systems and organisations developing future schemes.  

The Taskforce will use the evidence submitted through the call, alongside input from its expert advisers and forthcoming roundtables, to help with findings and recommendations.