Webinar explores Kiel's preparations for the return of light rail

UKTram recently attended the online webinar Flow on Rails: Preparing Kiel for the 2030 Light Rail Rollout, which explored how the German city is working towards reintroducing light rail after more than four decades without a tram system.

Held on the 28th May and attended by 42 delegates, the webinar featured presentations from Jan Niemeyer of the Tram for Kiel promotion group and Sebastian Heilmann from Kiel City Council. Approaches being used to build support for the project and move it from ambition towards implementation were shared during the session.

Kiel's original tramway closed in 1985, while a subsequent tram-train proposal was cancelled in 2015. The city is now progressing plans for a new light rail network, with advocates and local authorities working closely to build momentum and support for the scheme.

Presenters highlighted the importance of public engagement and stakeholder collaboration throughout the process. The Tram for Kiel promotion group has grown to more than 120 members and is supported by 10 companies, helping to raise awareness of the benefits of light rail and encourage dialogue with politicians, businesses and the wider community.

One of the key themes of the webinar was the city's decision to draw inspiration from successful French tramway projects. Alongside improved public transport, this approach places a strong emphasis on accessibility, placemaking and creating more attractive environments for residents and visitors.

Speakers also discussed the challenges of delivering major transport infrastructure projects, including funding, planning and securing long-term public support. Attendees heard how local advocacy has helped build momentum behind the scheme, with a 2022 consultation reportedly showing 95 per cent support for the return of light rail in the city.

From the city council perspective, planning work continues to focus on ensuring the scheme can be delivered efficiently while considering wider infrastructure requirements and future urban development. The ambition is to create a system that both improves transport connectivity and supports the creation of greener, people-focused public spaces.

Reflecting on the webinar, Phill Terry, UKTram Lead Engineer, said:

"The webinar was useful as it discussed how cities can work towards developing and delivering light rail schemes, while considering the importance of securing support from local authorities and communities. It was good to hear perspectives from the advocacy group and city council, the session demonstrated the commitment required to move a project forward.''

The session highlighted the value of stakeholder engagement and long-term planning when developing major transport infrastructure projects. It also provided a good opportunity to learn from the experiences of a city working to reintroduce light rail after several decades without a tram network.

UKTram will continue to follow developments in Kiel and looks forward to learning more about the project's progress in the years ahead.