Weekly Light Rail News | Funding boost, Metro Preservation & Tram Driver Championships | 12th September 2025
- UKTram
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
In this week’s light rail news round-up: Blackpool Transport boosts tram frequencies for the World Fireworks Championships and Edinburgh Trams drivers prepare to compete on the global stage. Updates also include the preservation of the Tyne and Wear Metro’s first train, a VIP depot tour for Birmingham school pupils at West Midlands Metro and Dublin’s latest ‘Meet the Luas Manager’ session. Plus, £40m funding to progress West Yorkshire’s Mass Transit plans and Crich Tramway Village set to celebrate Rail 200 this weekend.
£40m funding to progress West Yorkshire Mass Transit and franchising plans
Regional leaders are set to approve £40 million of funding to support the development of Mass Transit and bus franchising as part of West Yorkshire’s integrated Weaver Network. The investment will fund technical and environmental assessments on phase one tram route options, alongside business case work to keep the project on track for construction by 2028. Mayor Tracy Brabin said the Weaver Network will “deliver seamless and reliable connections, making sustainable travel the first choice in the region.” Proposals also include consultation on permits for cross-border and special bus services, ensuring integration with the future franchised network.
Tyne and Wear Metro’s first train preserved for North East heritage
The Tyne and Wear Metro’s first-ever train, carriage 4001, has been donated to North East Museums by Nexus. Built in the mid-1970s, the prototype carriage was the first to run on the Metro test track ahead of the network’s 1980 opening. Now housed at the Stephenson Steam Railway in North Tyneside, the train will be preserved as part of the region’s transport heritage. Nexus Managing Director Cathy Massarella said she was “delighted” that the carriage has been safeguarded for future exhibition.
Primary school pupils enjoy VIP tour at West Midlands Metro depot
West Midlands Metro welcomed pupils from Regents Park Community Primary School to its Wednesbury depot as part of a competition prize linked to the Bulls in the City arts trail. Among the visitors was 11-year-old Sakinah Begum, whose winning design for a miniature bull figurine is now on display at the Hilton Garden Inn. During the visit, pupils met artist Maurri Marnie, explored trams in preparation for service and tried out the driver training simulators to learn more about the skills behind tram operations.
Edinburgh and Dublin drivers set for World Tram Championships
Two Edinburgh Trams drivers will represent Scotland in the World Tram Driver Championships, taking place in Vienna on 13 September. Representing Scotland, Edinburgh Trams’ Jason Moffat and Kira Sutter will join counterparts from Luas Dublin to test their skills against international competitors. Following a rigorous selection process and training programme, the teams will be supported by driver trainers and managers as they take on a series of challenges designed to showcase operational excellence on the global stage.
Blackpool Transport boosts services for World Fireworks Championships
Blackpool Transport will increase tram services this weekend to support the first round of the World Fireworks Championships. An enhanced timetable will see mainline trams running every 12 minutes from 6.00 pm on Saturday, September 13th. A special shuttle service will also operate every 24 minutes between North Station and Little Bispham, providing additional connections across the network between Starr Gate and Fleetwood.
Luas customers share feedback at ‘Meet the Manager’ event
On Thursday, 11 September, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) held their latest ‘Meet the Luas Manager’ session on the Red Line, running from 15:30 to 17:00. The initiative gave passengers the opportunity to speak directly with Luas managers, share their views and highlight areas for improvement. Feedback collected during these events plays a key role in shaping customer experience and guiding future service development. For those unable to attend, an online survey remains open, and further sessions will be held across both the Red and Green Lines later this year.
MetroLink hosts major London market engagement event
On Monday 8 September, MetroLink staged a significant market engagement event at the Institution of Civil Engineers in London, attracting more than 250 stakeholders. The event opened with an address from Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, alongside contributions from Martin Fraser, Ambassador of Ireland to the UK and Lord Peter Hendy, UK Minister of State for Rail. Attendees were given a detailed overview of Ireland’s first metro project, including its delivery structure and the wide-ranging opportunities it will create for suppliers and contractors. The London session marked the first in a series of briefings across European cities this month.
ZoneCard prices reduced following peak fare withdrawal
SPT Subway has confirmed new lower prices for the ZoneCard, Strathclyde’s integrated bus, rail, and Subway ticket, following the withdrawal of ScotRail peak fares by Scottish Ministers. From 28th September 2025, 89 of the 105 ZoneCard ticket options will cost less, with the most popular Zone 2 weekly ticket reduced by 16% to £41. Chair of the ZoneCard Forum, Kenny McAlpine, said the changes will deliver “even better value for money” for passengers across the network.
Heritage
Crich Tramway Village celebrates Rail 200 at this weekend
Crich Tramway Village, home of the National Tramway Museum, is set to celebrate Rail 200 with a special Tram Weekend this coming Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September. The museum will showcase many of its operational trams throughout the event, giving visitors the chance to spot their favourites and enjoy multiple rides.
Seaton Tramway offers hands-on tram driving experiences
Seaton Tramway is inviting enthusiasts to step into the driver’s cab with its tram driving experience courses. Participants can take the controls under real operating conditions, guided by the Tramway’s expert team. The day also includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the Riverside Depot, offering insight into the heritage operation, before finishing with a commemorative certificate and souvenir to mark the experience.
The next round-up will be published on Friday 19th September, 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 by Thursday 18th September.