UKTram to help shape discussions at new national Time for Trams event

UKTram encourages members and partners to participate in Time for Trams 2026, a national event focused on accelerating light rail and mass transit delivery across the UK. Organised by Landor LINKS and Tram Network, the event will be held on Thursday, 24 September 2026 at the Coventry Technology Centre, following the Department for Transport's Better Connected: Integrated Transport Strategy.

Time for Trams will bring together political leaders, transport authorities, industry experts and delivery partners to explore how new tram systems can be delivered more quickly, affordably and at greater scale.

The conference will examine how light rail supports economic growth, regeneration and sustainable communities, with sessions on funding, planning, innovation, delivery models and integrated transport. It will offer a forum to share ideas, learn from UK and international best practice, and discuss how the sector can shape the next generation of urban mobility.

UKTram's presence is reflected throughout the speaker programme. Alongside Chair Steve Edwards, Board Members Sophie Allison and Nicola Small will contribute to discussions, while representatives from member and partner organisations, including Colas Rail, Waterman Aspen and Arup, will also share their expertise. Together, they demonstrate the breadth of knowledge across the UKTram community and its important role in shaping the future of light rail.

Delegates will have the opportunity to visit the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) programme and experience the city's innovative approach to delivering lower-cost, lower-disruption tram infrastructure. Guided tours of the latest test track will offer insight into the engineering innovations and delivery techniques shaping future light rail schemes.

Reflecting on the event, Steve Edwards, Chair of UKTram, said:

"There's a lot of positive momentum around light rail at the moment, and events like Time for Trams give us the opportunity to bring people together to share ideas and learn from one another. I'm looking forward to joining the discussion and exploring how we can continue to support the delivery of light rail across the UK."

James Hammett, Managing Director of UKTram, added:

"The publication of the Government's Integrated Transport Strategy has certainly reinforced the importance of place-based transport planning. and light rail has an important role to play in this. This event provides another great opportunity for the sector to share knowledge and explore new approaches."

Attendance is limited to 200 senior leaders, creating a focused forum for policymakers, transport authorities, operators, engineers, developers, investors and industry partners to exchange ideas and build relationships that support future light rail investment.

Register now