Weekly Light Rail News | Investment, service changes and community support | 6th November 2026
This week’s light rail news round-up leads with major investment plans for South Yorkshire and the completion of significant Metrolink track works in Greater Manchester. Operators are also helping passengers prepare for service changes and supporting their communities ahead of Remembrance commemorations. Heritage highlights look back at the trams that carried passengers during 2026, while the National Tramway Museum prepares for its illuminated season finale.
South Yorkshire sets out £1.45bn transport investment plan
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has approved a proposed £1.45bn transport programme for submission to government. The package would support bus franchising, rail projects and continued investment in Supertram as part of the region’s developing People’s Network.
Funding is earmarked for renewing Supertram track, fleet and passenger facilities, with further support to develop possible extensions. Subject to government approval, delivery would begin in April 2027.
Metrolink investment moves from track renewal to Bury Interchange
Metrolink services have resumed across all lines after around 4km of track was replaced between Trafford Bar and Deansgate-Castlefield. The two-week project was completed on schedule as part of TfGM’s £150m programme to maintain and improve the network.
Attention now turns to the first phase of Bury Interchange’s redevelopment, due to begin in mid-November. A new footbridge and upgraded tram platforms will improve accessibility while preparing the site for a full redevelopment, which remains subject to consultation.
North Tyneside bridge repairs completed ahead of revised schedule Nexus completed urgent repairs to a damaged bridge in North Tyneside earlier than expected, allowing full Metro services to resume on 3rd November, 2026. A planned inspection discovered structural damage, extending the closure between Wallsend and Tynemouth.
The work involved removing vegetation, installing scaffolding and rebuilding part of the bridge arch brick by brick. Services had initially been expected to remain disrupted until 5th November 2026, with replacement buses used while the repair was completed.
Birley Lane investigations move into design phase
Engineers investigating the former mineshaft beneath Supertram tracks at Birley Lane have started designing a structure to support the railway safely. Further drilling is underway because an underground obstruction has prevented confirmation of the shaft’s full depth, which historical records suggest may reach 55 metres.
Blue Route trams remain suspended between Gleadless Townend and Halfway. A replacement bus continues to serve the affected stops while ground investigations and ecological surveys inform the repair design.
Luas announces temporary Red Line service changes
Temporary changes will affect Luas Red Line services between 11th and 13th November, 2026, while Dublin hosts the European Political Community and EU Heads of State meetings. Mayor Square-NCI and Spencer Dock stops will close from 8pm on 11th November.
Red Line trams will operate between Tallaght or Saggart and Connolly, with no regular service between Connolly and The Point. Passengers attending concerts at 3Arena are being advised to use the designated walking route. Normal services are due to resume on 14th November.
Edinburgh Trams publishes November events travel guide
Edinburgh Trams has published its guide to events across the capital during November, helping passengers plan journeys to entertainment and seasonal attractions. Extra trams will operate as frequently as every 3 minutes around Scotland’s Nations Championship fixtures at Murrayfield.
The guide also covers Christmas, performances across the city and events at the Royal Highland Centre. Passengers can use contactless across trams and buses, with daily capping applied when they use the same card or device.
Tram operators support Remembrance commemorations
Blackpool Transport has unveiled a poppy-themed Hero Bus carrying the names of more than 60 serving personnel and veterans. Eligible members of the Armed Forces community will receive free bus and tram travel on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
Supertram is supporting a similar initiative across South Yorkshire, while Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses are backing the Poppyscotland appeal and Manchester Metrolink is also offering free travel. Participating operators will also observe the two-minute silence at 11 am where it is safe for services to stop.
KeolisAmey Luas shares international security expertise
KeolisAmey Luas welcomed Keolis Group security specialist Fabien Gaurat to Dublin for discussions with colleagues responsible for customer experience, security and revenue protection. The visit offered an opportunity to compare local practice with experience from other public transport networks.
The operator said access to knowledge across Keolis can bring fresh perspectives while keeping improvements focused on passenger needs. The exchange also supported work to provide a safe and reliable service across Dublin.
Metrolink partnership shares emergency skills with passengers
KeolisAmey Metrolink joined health and emergency-service partners at Manchester Piccadilly to provide practical demonstrations in CPR, defibrillator use and controlling serious bleeding. Passengers were invited to learn how to recognise an emergency and take appropriate action while seeking help.
The activity was delivered with the Oliver Cookson Foundation, Resuscitation Council UK and North West Ambulance Service, as part of the operator’s community safety work and to make guidance more accessible to people.
Heritage highlights
Annual review records the heritage trams that ran in 2026
British Trams Online has published its annual review of heritage trams that carried passengers during 2026. The list covers operating fleets at Beamish, the National Tramway Museum, East Anglia Transport Museum and the Isle of Man’s heritage systems, among others.
The review also records tramways that remain closed, including Heaton Park, Summerlee and Wirral. It provides a useful snapshot of the operational heritage fleet at the end of the main season, including private hires but excluding testing and driver-training runs.
National Tramway Museum prepares for Tramlight finale
The National Tramway Museum will conclude its 2026 programme with Tramlight on 7th and 8th November, 2026. The event follows the end of the museum’s main operating season, during which 16 passenger trams ran.
The Crich site will feature an illuminated trail and decorated trams, with the event running from 2 pm to 8 pm on Saturday and from 2 pm to 7 pm on Sunday. Separate admission applies because annual passes are not valid for the premium event.
UKTram and LRSSB Updates
The next round-up will be published on Friday, 13th of November. 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
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