Weekly Light Rail News | Infrastructure renewals and skills progress | 2nd October 2026
In the UK and Ireland tram and light rail news this week: Transport Infrastructure Ireland appoints Amey to a new Luas overhead line works framework, while Nexus prepares for a nine-day Metro closure to deliver major infrastructure renewals. The light rail Skills Hub reflects on a successful first year, and TfL offers a closer look at the role of a London Trams driver. Elsewhere, new artwork celebrates Supertram’s engineering community and Blackpool tram 012 receives a heritage-inspired makeover. Heritage highlights include Gateshead 10 beginning mainline testing at Beamish and Volk’s Electric Railway seeking winter volunteers.
Modern Blackpool tram receives heritage-inspired makeover
Blackpool Transport has unveiled a green and cream heritage-style livery on modern Flexity 2 tram 012. The design recalls the single-deck trams that operated along Blackpool’s seafront during the 1950s and replaces the vehicle’s former Pleasure Beach advertising wrap.
The makeover was completed at no additional cost after the previous sponsorship arrangement ended and will help keep the tramway heritage visible while work continues to prepare static displays for the Lightpool Festival and restore selected historic vehicles.
Amey appointed to Luas overhead line works framework
Transport Infrastructure Ireland has appointed Amey Infrastructure Ireland to deliver overhead line works through a new Luas Overhead Contact System Works Framework.
The overhead contact system supplies 750V DC power to Luas trams and components require replacement as they wear and face environmental exposure. Renewals will be delivered in phases to manage operational risks and support the continued reliability of traction power across the network.
Luas Cork team shortlisted for industry award
Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s Luas Cork team has been shortlisted for Team of the Year at the 2026 Global Light Rail Awards.
Supported by Jacobs, the team progressed the proposed scheme from an Emerging Preferred Route to a Preferred Route within 12 months.
The recognition follows the publication of the project’s post-consultation report, which recorded strong public support for the proposed light rail system. The Global Light Rail Awards ceremony will take place in London on 7th October.
Edinburgh Trams publishes October event travel guide
Edinburgh Trams has published travel guidance for events taking place across the capital during October. The network will serve Edinburgh Rugby fixtures at Hive Stadium, with Murrayfield Stadium the nearest tram stop, as well as events at venues across the city.
The guide covers Edinburgh Cocktail Week and seasonal attractions including Pumpkins After Dark at the Royal Highland Centre. Passengers attending events are encouraged to plan their journeys using the nearest tram stops.
Major London Trams track renewal programme completed
VolkerRail completed more than 750 metres of embedded track renewals on the London Trams network during a month-long blockade in August. Work on Wellesley Road and Tamworth Road in central Croydon included rail replacement, signalling, and concrete works, followed by reinstatement of the surrounding road surfaces.
The project trialled a new rail encapsulation system developed with Sika. The approach was introduced to reduce manual handling during installation and improve the efficiency of future work.
TfL offers behind-the-scenes look at tram driving
Transport for London has shared a day-in-the-life video exploring the work of a London Trams driver. The film offers passengers a closer look at operating through tram stops and the track environment, alongside the driver’s role in supporting customers.
The video also reinforces key safety messages for passengers and other people using areas around the network.
TfL has directed viewers to its online guidance for further information about travelling safely on London Trams.
Extra Metrolink services planned for Manchester Half Marathon
Extra trams will operate across the Bee Network on Sunday 4th October as a record 32,000 runners take part in the Manchester Half Marathon. The 13.1-mile route will start and finish near Old Trafford, with thousands of spectators also expected.
Road closures across Trafford and south Manchester will result in extensive bus diversions during the weekend, making Metrolink the recommended travel option. Services are expected to be busy, with staff positioned at key stops.
Nine-day Metro closure planned for major renewal works
Metro services between St James and Monkseaton will be suspended in both directions between 24th October and 1st November. Replacement buses will run before the line reopens on 2nd November.
Nexus will renew track, junctions, and overhead line equipment, including installing 1,500 metres of new rail between Walkergate and Wallsend. Its Fixed Area Planning approach will concentrate several maintenance activities within the same closure, reducing the need for repeated disruption.
Sheffield artist creates new mural for Supertram depot
A new mural by Sheffield artist Luke Horton has been unveiled at Supertram’s depot. Commissioned to create a more welcoming environment, the artwork reflects the network’s connection with Sheffield and the people working across its teams.
The design includes historic and current tram liveries and molten orange colours planned for the South Yorkshire People’s Network. Local landmarks and engineering values also feature, and a spanner representing the transfer of knowledge and experience.
West Midlands Metro begins full ticket enforcement
Passengers travelling on West Midlands Metro without a valid ticket or pass now face a £100 Penalty Fare following the full implementation of Buy Before You Board. The move follows an initial period in which newly deployed Revenue Officers focused on helping customers understand the arrangements.
Conductors were withdrawn from trams on 13th September. Passengers must purchase tickets through stop-based machines, the MyMetro app or use an eligible Swift card before boarding.
Heritage Highlights
Gateshead 10 begins mainline testing at Beamish
British Trams Online reports that Gateshead tram 10 has begun testing on the mainline at Beamish. The vehicle is accumulating mileage outside museum opening hours as commissioning continues toward a possible return to service, after last operating in 2016.
Elsewhere in the fleet, Blackpool tram 31 returned to service on 11th September following a cosmetic refresh. Newcastle 114 remains unavailable after a controller flashover, with Beamish now planning to complete much of the repair work in-house.
New volunteer conductors qualify at East Anglia Transport Museum
Two volunteers have qualified as conductors at the East Anglia Transport Museum after completing their assessments aboard Blackpool tram 159. Martin and Gary passed their tests during their first weekend working with the museum.
The achievement adds to the volunteer skills supporting operation of the museum’s historic transport collection. The museum is also inviting people interested in contributing to its work to learn more about membership and volunteering opportunities through its website.
Volk’s Electric Railway seeks volunteers during winter closure
Volk’s Electric Railway has concluded passenger operations for the 2026 season and is now closed for the winter.
Volunteer work parties will continue weekly during the closure, supporting the railway’s small permanent team with maintenance and preparations for future operation. The railway is inviting anyone interested in volunteering throughout the year to contact its volunteer coordinator through the Volk’s Electric Railway website.
UKTram and LRSSB Updates New Tram Talks puts UKTram member stories in the spotlight
Latest figures highlight resilience across England’s light rail networks
Successful first year for light rail ‘Skills Hub’
The next round-up will be published on Friday, 9th October, if you are a UKTram Member, and you'd like to be included in the round-up shared on the website, socials and our exclusive Members' hub, please send your press releases, event updates and career opportunities to chelsea.branch@uktram.co.uk
Comments