Weekly Light Rail News | Heritage celebrations, Top Tram Awards & Major Projects | 6th September 2025

In this week’s light rail news round-up: the return of historic trams for Blackpool’s Lightpool festival, a first look at the new DLR trains and Edinburgh Trams’ record-breaking August. Updates also include Bee Network improvements, market engagement events for Dublin’s MetroLink and the reveal of the Global Light Rail Awards shortlist.

Heritage trams return for Blackpool’s Lightpool Festival

Blackpool’s iconic heritage trams are on track to stage a comeback next month during the town’s popular Lightpool festival. Following thorough checks by independent experts, two historic trams have been given the green light to return to service during the event, set to take place between October 15th and November 1st. Blackpool Transport on track for top tram awards

A host of improvements to tram services on the Fylde Coast have put Blackpool Transport firmly in the frame for two top industry accolades, including the coveted title of UK Operator of the Year.

The introduction of a new team dedicated to driving off-tram ticket sales while offering face-to-face travel advice to visitors has also impressed judges in the Best Customer Initiative category at the Global Light Rail Awards.

First glimpse of new DLR trains shared by TfL

Transport for London has released an exclusive first glimpse of its new Docklands Light Railway trains, now undergoing reliability testing ahead of entering service. The modern fleet will feature spacious walk-through carriages, live travel information, air conditioning, charging points and enhanced accessibility.

Passengers may spot the new trains, in special livery, running across the network from September.

Record-breaking August for Edinburgh Trams

Edinburgh Trams enjoyed its busiest month ever last month, with passenger journeys reaching new heights during a packed August of festivals and concerts.

The city’s multi award-winning tramway recorded its highest monthly patronage numbers, recording almost 1.5m customer journeys thanks to the return of Edinburgh’s world-famous festival season and a series of major music events.

Edinburgh Trams support Scottish Varsity Match with tram takeover

Edinburgh Trams have been branded to celebrate the return of the Scottish Varsity rugby match, one of the oldest rivalries in student sport. Edinburgh Rugby stars joined University of Edinburgh players on board to show support ahead of the fixture against the University of St Andrews at Hive Stadium on Saturday 20 September. The Varsity Match has been a sporting highlight for over 160 years and continues to draw strong student and community support.

Bee Network improvements boost integrated travel across Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester has unveiled new Bee Network improvements, with enhanced bus services set to make multi-modal journeys even easier for passengers. With increased frequency, new night services and the launch of an 18–21 bus pass offering half-price travel, the updates build on the region’s vision for a fully integrated network. 'Tap and go’ ticketing is already simplifying switching between tram and bus, passenger numbers continue to rise, putting the Bee Network on track to meet its 2030 targets.

Replacement buses following Luas Red line fire

Services between Connolly and The Point on Dublin’s Luas Red Line remain suspended after fire damage in the Docklands area. While trams continue to run as normal between Connolly and Tallaght/Saggart, a replacement bus service is in place from 1 September to serve the affected stops until repair works and assessments are complete.

Supertram now a Corporate Member of Sheffield Theatres

Supertram recently announced a partnership built on its commitment to supporting Sheffield’s culture and community while making it easier for people to travel to some of the city’s best venues.

A recent LinkedIn post shared excitement for strengthening its relationship with Sheffield Theatres and continue connecting people with the events, place and experiencesin the city. Chief executive officer for Keolis UK & Ireland writes for BusinessLive North West

Writing for BusinessLive North West, Alistair Gordon, CEO of Keolis UK & Ireland, highlights how franchising is transforming public transport in Greater Manchester and beyond. Alistair reflects that the UK’s opportunity lies in integrating buses, trams, trains and other modes to create a zero-emission, multi-modal network.

Drawing on international examples, Alistair points to the importance of electrification, hydrogen innovation, workforce training and advanced depot infrastructure as key to realising a cleaner, more connected future. West Midlands Metro teamwork and innovation up for six industry awards

West Midlands Metro is celebrating international recognition after being shortlisted for this year’s Global Light Rail Awards. This is a testament to the team’s dedication to delivering real benefits for customers, the environment and communities served by the network.

The award shortlist published this week names the Metro network as a front-runner in six award categories, including UK Operator of the Year and Most Improved System.

New video showcases Metro Driver training to support recruitment drive

Peter Pilsner has released a behind-the-scenes video on the YouTube channel Transport Matters showing the intensive training process for new tram drivers. The programme includes simulator sessions and hands-on track experience, designed to equip recruits with the skills to operate safely and confidently across the network. With expansion plans underway, the operator is currently recruiting more than 40 new drivers – full details are available via West Midlands Metro website.

MetroLink hosts market engagement event in Dublin

On 4 September, Transport Infrastructure Ireland welcomed over 600 guests to The Helix for the official launch of the MetroLink Market Engagement Event. The briefing provided international suppliers and contractors with insights into Ireland’s infrastructure programme, outlining upcoming procurement opportunities and encouraging innovation and collaboration.

The MetroLink project will integrate with existing transport services, including Irish Rail, DART, Dublin Bus, and Luas, helping to transform connectivity across Dublin and beyond. Places already filled for the next MetroLink Market Engagement Event taking place in London on 8 September 2025, continuing the conversation with partners across Europe. 

New report highlights LRSSB successes

A new report has demonstrated how the organisation responsible for driving tramway safety is delivering added value to the sector while reducing accident risks.

Over the past year, the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board has delivered on a series of landmark projects that have saved the sector an estimated £2.6 million, when compared to the cost of operators and other organisations working independently.

Heritage: Seaton Tramway marks 55th Anniversary with special celebration

Seaton Tramway has marked its 55th anniversary with a spectacular weekend event that saw all 12 of its operational trams in service. Held on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August, the celebrations showcased more than half a century of heritage and innovation, with visitors able to experience the full fleet in operation across the scenic Devon line. Crich Tramway Village to Celebrate Rail 200 at Tram Weekend

Crich Tramway Village, home of the National Tramway Museum, is set to celebrate Rail 200 with a special Tram Weekend on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September.

With over 80 vintage vehicles in its collection, the museum will showcase many of its operational trams throughout the event, giving visitors the chance to spot their favourites and enjoy multiple rides. Volk’s Electric Railway marks 30 years of VERA

Volk’s Electric Railway Association (VERA) is celebrating its 30th anniversary on Saturday, 20th September with a family-friendly day at the historic seaside attraction. Visitors can enjoy Punch and Judy shows, explore the Viewing Gallery to see engineers at work and learn more about the railway’s history, before taking in Brighton’s seafront on illuminated evening heritage tram rides running until 9pm (weather permitting). The next round-up will be published on Friday 12th 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 11th September.