Weekly Light Rail News | Energy optimisation, Climate Change Forum & Consultation milestones | Friday 10th October 2025

In this week’s round-up: Luas Cork reaches a key consultation milestone, Transport for London publishes its Annual Report with progress on safety and decarbonisation, while Nexus prepares to host Newcastle’s Climate Change Forum. Manchester Metrolink explores energy optimisation with the University of Birmingham and Supertram celebrates new driver graduates. Meanwhile, NET launches trial of more frequent evening trams and Crich Tramway Village announces its after-dark Tramlight event.

NET launches trial of more frequent evening trams following positive customer feedback

In response to customer feedback, Nottingham Express Transit (NET) is running a one-month trial of its enhanced evening tram timetable, which was previously put in place as a temporary measure to service customers attending Goose Fair.

NET’s original evening timetable saw trams running up to a maximum of every 15 minutes. However, from Monday 6 October, trams running in each direction of The Forest tram stop, between Highbury Vale and Nottingham Station, will be running every four minutes, with trams beyond those stops running every eight minutes until 11pm.

Manchester Metrolink explores new ways to optimise energy use

As reported by Rail Business UK, Keolis Amey Metrolink has partnered with University of Birmingham spin-out EneRail to reduce energy consumption on the Bury to Victoria line. The trial used advanced energy modelling to refine driver performance, showing potential energy savings of around 10% without affecting journey times. By comparing the modelling and simulation with real vehicle data, the potential energy benefits could be quantified.

Supertram celebrates employee milestones

Sheffield Supertram has been celebrating team achievements over on LinkedIn this week, recognising colleagues progressing in their careers. Congratulations were shared with Henry and Tom for successfully completing their driver training, marking an exciting new chapter on the network.

The operator also welcomed Glen, Toni and Kanye who have recently begun their training to become Conductors and Driver Conductors, and congratulated on-board conductor Richard on reaching an incredible 15 years of service.

TfL publishes 2024/25 Annual Report

Transport for London has released its latest annual report, outlining key achievements in safety, sustainability and network development across the capital. The report includes operational data for Docklands Light Railway and London Trams, alongside news that tram and bus fares were frozen for another year.

The report also highlights ongoing decarbonisation work at the London Trams depot at Therapia Lane, supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Historic trams on track for Blackpool's Lightpool return

Fans of Blackpool’s iconic heritage trams are in for treat next week with the return of two historic vehicles for special ‘Illumination Tours’ during the town’s Lightpool celebrations.

Following extensive checks by independent experts and a series of test trips, HMS Blackpool and vintage double-decker Tram 717 are set for a historic return to the seafront throughout the festival, which gets underway on October 15.

Public consultation report published for Luas Cork

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the National Transport Authority (NTA) have published a report summarising feedback from the Non-Statutory Public Consultation on the Emerging Preferred Route for Luas Cork. Over 1,000 submissions were received during the eight-week consultation, providing valuable insights to help shape the next stage of this transformative transport project. The Preferred Route is expected to be announced in early 2026, followed by a further opportunity for public feedback. Edinburgh Trams and Scottish Rugby team up for competition

Edinburgh Trams has teamed up with Scottish Rugby to offer an unforgettable Child Mascot Experience at the upcoming Quilter Nations Series 2025, where Scotland will face USA, New Zealand, Argentina and Tonga this November. Winners will receive three match tickets, including one for the lucky mascot, plus free tram travel to and from the game. Entries are open until Thursday 9 October, giving families the chance to be part of the matchday magic at Murrayfield.

Emotional farewell as Metro drivers witness decommissioned trains recycled

Metro drivers have bid a fond farewell to part of Tyne and Wear’s transport history as decommissioned trains undergo breakage work ahead of the rollout of a new fleet.

Retired driver Lesley Williams and current driver Jon Doughty visited specialist recycling firm J Denham Metals Ltd in County Durham to watch as one of the 45-year-old carriages was dismantled, a process both described as emotional but fascinating to see.

Nexus to host Newcastle Climate Change Forum

Nexus is set to host Newcastle’s Climate Change Forum on Tuesday, 4th November, bringing together key partners to explore the role of transport in creating a greener city.

Working alongside Newcastle City Council, Stagecoach North East and AECOM, the event will invite attendees to contribute to discussions shaping the city’s future transport plans. The forum is free to attend, offering a valuable opportunity for collaboration on sustainable mobility and climate action.

Clyde Metro Case for Investment recognised with national award

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) is celebrating success after the Clyde Metro Case for Investment Stage 1a was named National Transport Project of the Year at the CIHT Scotland Annual Dinner.

The project, developed in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Transport Scotland and Mott MacDonald, represents a key step towards delivering a transformative mass transit system for the region, potentially including light rail and tram-train solutions

Operation Twin Tracks promotes safety across Dublin’s Luas network

Transdev Ireland has once again joined forces with An Garda Síochána and Iarnród Éireann for Operation Twin Tracks, an annual initiative focused on tackling anti-social behaviour and promoting rail safety.

Teams worked together along the Red and Green Luas lines, engaging with passengers while offering safety advice and ensuring everyone can travel with confidence.

Expert in light rail finance joins LRSSB board

Ian Law has joined the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board as it looks to expand the scope of its operations, bringing with him a wealth of commercial experience.

Currently responsible for business transformation at South Yorkshire Supertram, Ian led the operator’s finance team through the successful transition into local authority control.

Heritage

Tramlight returns to Crich Tramway Village

Image Credit: Trams Online

As reported by British Trams Online, Crich Tramway Village will once again host its popular Tramlight event on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November 2025. The after-dark spectacular will see trams running into the evening alongside live entertainment, lantern-lit woodland walks and Victorian-themed performances. The premium event rounds off the 2025 season in style, offering a magical experience for visitors of all ages. Workshop progress continues at Beamish Museum

British Trams Online further reports that while 2025 hasn’t seen a large number of trams in operation at Beamish, there’s been plenty of activity behind the scenes. Workshop teams have been busy preparing and maintaining several vehicles, including major overhaul work on Gateshead 10 and planned maintenance on Newcastle 114. Meanwhile, Blackpool 31 is set to return to service following repairs, and investigations continue into Lisbon 730, which could soon see its first use since joining the Beamish fleet permanently.

UKTram UKTram attends UITP Regional & Suburban Railways Division Meeting in Newcastle

UKTram Operations Manager, Steve Duckering, joined international transport leaders in Newcastle on 6–8th October for the UITP Regional & Suburban Railways Division Meeting. 

Hosted in the birthplace of the modern railway, the event was supported by valued UKTram member, Hitachi Rail. It featured insights from political and industry leaders, including Cllr Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council and Deputy Mayor of the North East Combined Authority. New report from Campaign for Better Transport

As a proud Corporate Champion of Campaign for Better Transport, UKTram welcomes the report’s focus on real-world case studies, including Nottingham Trams. The mature, well-integrated system has delivered both economic and environmental benefits, with park-and-ride sites, smart ticketing integration and investment from the local authority. The network continues to reduce congestion and support the city’s carbon reduction goals.

The next round-up will be published on Saturday, 18th October, to be included in the round-up or the Members News section of the UKTram website, please send your press releases, event updates and career opportunities to chelsea.branch@uktram.co.uk