Weekly Light Rail News | Mass transit progress and sector recognition | 9th October 2026
In this week's light rail news: Sector celebrates success at Global Light Rail Awards, Blackpool Transport appoints two Executive Directors, Edinburgh operators secure three National Transport Awards and KeolisAmey Luas sets out priorities following operator transition. Plus, Airport firefighters complete training on new Metro fleet, South Yorkshire seeks views on future transport priorities, support continues for proposed DLR extension to Thamesmead and Mass Transit Taskforce visits Glasgow Subway.
Light rail sector celebrates success at Global Light Rail Awards 2026
Organisations and individuals from across the light rail sector were celebrated at the Global Light Rail Awards 2026, held at Battersea Arts Centre on Wednesday 7th October.
Representatives from across the light rail and urban transit community came together in London for the annual awards, which recognise achievements across operations, engineering, safety, innovation and customer service. Congratulations to all who were nominated and highly commended and to all of the winners.
Blackpool Transport appoints two Executive Directors
Jamie Swift and Steve Staley have joined Blackpool Transport’s board as Executive Directors following internal promotions. Jamie becomes Commercial Director, while Steve takes up the role of Tramway Director.
Jamie joined the business in January 2025 and previously held senior roles at Edinburgh Trams and Tramlink Nottingham and Steve became Tramway Operations and Safety Manager in June 2025, having earlier worked for Manchester Metrolink, Dubai Metro and Riyadh Metro.
Edinburgh operators secure three National Transport Awards
Edinburgh Trams was named Tram Operator of the Year at the 2026 National Transport Awards, while Lothian Buses received the Bus Operator of the Year title. Sarah Boyd, Chief Executive of both organisations, was also recognised as Woman of the Year.
The tram award followed a year in which passenger numbers rose by 3.3% to 12.5 million journeys. Judges also considered Edinburgh Trams’ investment in ticketing technology and its performance across customer service, safety and reliability.
UKTram visit gives operators closer look at Very Light Rail track innovation
Light rail representatives have visited Coventry to see the installation of a new track system being developed as part of the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) programme.
Representatives from light rail networks saw the track being installed at Mile Lane and heard directly from the team about its development. The track is designed as a shallower alternative to traditional track systems, with the potential to reduce excavation depth when installing new track in urban environments.
KeolisAmey Luas sets out priorities following operator transition
Managing Director Tom Joyner has outlined the operator’s priorities following its takeover of Dublin’s Luas network on 1st September. Around 750 employees transferred under the €1.3 billion contract, which runs for seven years with an option for a six-year extension.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Tom said the team will examine service frequency, event management and infrastructure resilience and work with Transport Infrastructure Ireland on 35 new trams and the planned Finglas and Lucan extensions.
Bee Network launches Bee Card in Apple Wallet
Bee Network passengers can now buy bus and tram tickets directly through Apple Wallet and store them on a digital Bee Card. Greater Manchester is the first area in the UK to offer this option to Apple users of all ages.
Tickets can be validated by tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch against a card reader, with Express Mode removing the need to unlock the device or open an app. The launch follows the introduction of Our Pass in Apple Wallet for 16- to 18-year-olds earlier this year.
Airport firefighters complete training on new Metro fleet
Newcastle Airport’s four fire watches have completed familiarisation training on the Tyne and Wear Metro’s new Stadler trains. Delivered by Nexus, the sessions covered carriage layouts, fire detection systems and emergency access arrangements.
The programme follows similar training for Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, with the North East Ambulance Service also due to receive an update. Nexus confirmed that the new fleet now operates all daily Metro services, with all 46 trains delivered.
Therapy dog makes first visit to Supertram network
Supertram welcomed its first therapy dog to the network ahead of World Animal Day. Seven-year-old German Shepherd Nya visited with her owner, Steve O’Callaghan BEM of TransPennine Express, giving colleagues and passengers an opportunity to experience the positive effect animals can have on wellbeing.
Nya is registered with Pets As Therapy and regularly visits railway stations. The visit also enabled heavy and light rail colleagues to exchange ideas about wellbeing and creating a welcoming environment for passengers.
South Yorkshire seeks views on future transport priorities
Residents across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield are being invited to help shape the South Yorkshire People’s Network and the region’s next Local Transport Plan. The survey asks about current travel experiences and priorities for improving public transport and other modes.
Feedback will inform proposals for the draft plan, which is expected to enter formal public consultation in 2027 before publication that autumn. The survey is available online and in paper form at transport interchanges.
Prime Minister voices support for Bristol mass transit plans
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed support for developing a mass transit system serving Bristol and the surrounding area. Speaking to the BBC, he said the city should be able to pursue a tram system comparable with Greater Manchester’s Metrolink, while acknowledging that the infrastructure would cost billions.
West of England Mayor Helen Godwin said she hoped further plans could be confirmed within the next year.
Support continues for proposed DLR extension to Thamesmead
Transport for London has published its latest consultation report on proposals to extend the Docklands Light Railway to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead. More than 550 people and organisations responded.
Respondents identified improved public transport connections and access to employment and education among the potential benefits. The feedback will inform the next stage of development before TfL’s planned application for a Transport and Works Act Order in 2027.
Mass Transit Taskforce visits Glasgow Subway
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport hosted a Mass Transit Taskforce roundtable in Glasgow, followed by a visit to the Subway depot. The session formed part of the Taskforce’s programme of discussions across the UK and internationally.
Established by the UK Government, the Taskforce is examining how the planning, funding and delivery of tram, light rail and rapid bus schemes could be accelerated across all four nations. The Urban Transport Group is providing secretariat support for its work.
MetroLink launches behind-the-scenes podcast
MetroLink has launched Metro Matters, a new podcast exploring the development of Ireland’s first metro. Presented by MetroLink Director of Communications Eoin Murphy, the series will examine the people and work involved in delivering the project.
Episodes will feature project leaders and subject specialists discussing progress and the expected long-term impact of MetroLink on Dublin and Ireland. The podcast is intended for transport professionals, project stakeholders and future passengers.
Heritage Highlights
Heaton Park Tramway exhibition celebrates Manchester tram history
A free exhibition created by Heaton Park Tramway has opened at Manchester Central Library to commemorate the centenary of Manchester’s 1926 Civic Week. The city’s tramways played an important role in the original week-long programme.
Located on the library’s first floor, the exhibition charts 125 years of Manchester’s electric tramway history through archive photographs and artefacts. It will remain open from Monday to Saturday until 29th October, with St Peter’s Square Metrolink stop immediately outside the library.
Morecambe horse tramway closure remembered 100 years on
The National Tramway Museum has marked 100 years since Morecambe’s municipally owned horse tramway closed on 6th October 1926. The final tram was driven by Jack Birch, who had also operated the first service in June 1887, and was pulled by the system’s two oldest horses, Adam and Eve.
Several hundred people watched the last journey along the seafront. The closure ended more than four decades of continuous horse tram operation before the 2½-mile municipal route was replaced by open-top double-deck motor buses.
UKTram and LRSSB Updates
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