Weekly Light Rail News | Fleet progress and seasonal journeys | 13th November 2026
This week’s light rail news round-up includes industry recognition for Magna Tram Train station and the Luas Cork team and preparations for the busy Christmas travel period in Greater Manchester. Elsewhere, infrastructure work continues across the Tyne and Wear Metro, Nottingham and Glasgow, while digital-twin technology joins Blackpool transport's 5G project. Heritage highlights include the National Tramway Museum’s Tramlight finale and Manx Electric Railway's preparations to welcome passengers aboard its festive services to the Laxey Christmas Market.
Magna Tram Train station recognised at regional transport awards
Magna Tram Train station has been named Transport Infrastructure Project of the Year at the Yorkshire and the Humber CIHT Awards. The fully accessible station provides a new public transport connection for Magna Science Adventure Centre, nearby businesses and the Templeborough area.
The project was delivered by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Network Rail, AmcoGiffen and Supertram. The award recognises the partnership and investment behind the station, which is helping more visitors reach Magna by public transport.
Digital-twin technology joins Blackpool transport 5G project
VIAVI Solutions has joined the ORBIT project, which is developing a private 5G network across Blackpool’s tram and bus system. Its digital-twin technology will model the routes and test the network against realistic operating scenarios before live trials begin.
The technology could support live CCTV for onboard information and operational communications. Blackpool Council is leading the project alongside the University of York and Hitachi Rail.
Edinburgh Trams supports winter activity in Leith and Newhaven Edinburgh Trams is supporting the More by the Shore winter campaign, encouraging passengers to explore independent businesses and seasonal attractions across Leith and Newhaven. A new family-friendly festive light trail will also illuminate the waterfront.
EH postcode residents can access double-value vouchers redeemable at participating businesses from 14th November, 2026, until 30th March, 2027. Trams serve Leith and Newhaven as frequently as every seven minutes, with integrated contactless fare capping available across Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses
Bee Network prepares for a busy Christmas across Greater Manchester
Transport for Greater Manchester is preparing the Bee Network for millions of additional journeys during the festive period, including an estimated 3.4 million extra visitors during Manchester’s Christmas Markets. Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and, where possible, travel outside the busiest periods.
More double trams will operate on busy sections of the Metrolink network, including the Altrincham–Bury and Trafford Park lines, with enhanced services planned for major events. The measures also include additional customer support, improved Park & Ride options and night buses serving every Greater Manchester borough.
Luas Red Line services adjusted for EU Presidency events
Temporary changes to Luas Red Line services have been introduced to support the European Political Community meeting and EU Heads of State meeting in Dublin. On 13th November, 2026, Red Line trams are operating between Tallaght or Saggart and Connolly, with no service between Connolly and The Point.
Passengers attending the Niall Horan concert at 3Arena are being directed to walk between Connolly and the venue, although a limited number of trams will operate non-stop from The Point to Connolly after the event.
Luas Cork team named Best Rail Team of the Year
The Luas Cork project team has won Best Rail Team of the Year at the Rail Link Awards 2026. The TII-led team and project partner Jacobs were recognised for progressing the scheme from Emerging Preferred Route to Preferred Route within 12 months.
The proposed light rail system comprises a corridor of approximately 20km with 27 stops, linking Ballincollig, Cork city centre and Mahon. The award follows the team’s Highly Commended recognition at the Global Light Rail Awards.
West Jesmond Metro subway undergoes renewal work
Nexus is carrying out a programme of improvements to the pedestrian subway at West Jesmond Metro station. The project includes repainting, improved lighting, strengthened electrical covers and new surfacing for the staircases.
The subway is temporarily closed and is expected to reopen in early January, with passengers able to move between platforms using the station footbridge. The work will help extend the life of a facility that has served the station since it first opened in 1900.
Stourbridge Shuttle supports military vehicle parade
The Stourbridge Shuttle supported the fifth Stourbridge Military Vehicle Parade on 7th November, 2026, helping visitors travel between Stourbridge Junction and the town centre. More than 50 military vehicles took part in the free event, which was organised by Shuttle driver Dave Spruce in support of the Stourbridge Poppy Appeal.
The parade was followed by vehicle displays and live 1940s-themed entertainment. The annual community event raised more than £4,600 for the Poppy Appeal in 2025, with donations collected again during this year’s programme.
Glasgow Subway closures planned for systems testing
Glasgow Subway will not operate on 15th or 22nd November, 2026, while Strathclyde Partnership for Transport undertakes further testing of its new signalling, communications and operational systems.
The planned Sunday closures will enable engineering and operational teams to carry out comprehensive testing across the network, helping ensure the infrastructure delivered through the Subway modernisation programme continues to operate safely and reliably.
Heritage Highlights
National Tramway Museum concludes its season with Tramlight
Tramlight at National Tramway Museum 
Tramlight at National Tramway Museum 
Tramlight at National Tramway Museum - Tickets and schedule 
Tramlight at National Tramway Museum
UKTram Lead Engineer Phill Terry attended the National Tramway Museum’s Tramlight season finale as part of UKTram’s support for the heritage sector. Despite the cool, foggy weather, the event drew a busy crowd to Crich on 7th and 8th November, 2026.
The museum was illuminated with decorated trams, live music and a lantern trail through Victoria Park. Five heritage trams, including two open-top vehicles, operated during Phill’s visit, giving passengers the chance to enjoy rides before and after dark. The programme also featured Nottingham Concert Band, Victorian re-enactors and Dr Melforde’s Travelling Curiosities and Wonders, providing a memorable conclusion to the museum’s 2026 operating season.
Manx Electric Railway prepares for festive market services
The Manx Electric Railway will operate special trams to the Laxey Village Christmas Market on 21st and 22nd November, 2026.
Services will run between Derby Castle and Laxey, where more than 115 stalls and festive activities will be spread across several village venues.
Visitors presenting a valid bus or tram ticket will receive free entry to the market at the Working Men’s Institute.
Ten-year overhaul returns Gateshead 10 to service at Beamish
Gateshead tram 10 has returned to passenger service at Beamish following a comprehensive ten-year overhaul. Built by the Gateshead & District Tramways Company in 1925, the tram operated on Tyneside before later serving the Grimsby & Immingham Electric Railway. It became the first electric tram to operate at Beamish after arriving in 1973.
Museum staff and volunteers carried out extensive mechanical work while preserving the vehicle’s original character. Three full-time apprentices also contributed to the project, with two remaining at Beamish after completing their training.
UKTram and LRSSB Updates
The next round-up will be published on Friday, 20th November 2026. If you are a UKTram member with a press release, project update or career opportunity, please email chelsea.branch@uktram.co.uk to be featured.
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