Weekly Light Rail News | New network plans and safety developments | 18th September 2026
In the UK and Ireland tram and light rail news this week: Edinburgh Trams reports successful first eight months for speed-monitoring system; Free Bee Network tram travel launched for Greater Manchester school groups; Metro’s Famous Faces mural celebrates 30 years at Monument. Plus, West Midlands Metro seeks feedback on Buy Before You Board, strong public support recorded for Luas Cork proposals, Blackpool Transport shortlisted for three Global Light Rail Awards and Heaton Park Tramway opens museum for final free event of 2026.
Edinburgh Trams reports successful first eight months for speed-monitoring system
Edinburgh Trams reported a successful first eight months for its LeadMind Automatic Vehicle Speed Monitoring system, fully implemented on 12th January 2026. Developed with CAF, the technology uses odometry and GPS signals to monitor tram speeds across the 18.4km network.
Drivers receive visual and audible warnings when approaching curves above the determined safe speed, with automatic braking applied if they take no corrective action.
West Midlands Metro seeks feedback on Buy Before You Board
West Midlands Metro is inviting passengers to share their experiences of the recently introduced Buy Before You Board system. Customers must now hold a valid ticket or travel pass before boarding, with ticket machines available at every stop alongside digital purchasing options.
Feedback will help the operator assess its passenger information and ticket-purchasing arrangements. The short online survey will remain open until 23:59 on Sunday 4th October, with respondents entered into a prize draw.
KeolisAmey Metrolink showcases colleague stories for National Inclusion Week
This week, the team at KeolisAmey Metrolink has been showcasing the people behind Metrolink to mark National Inclusion Week.
The profiles have featured various team members and managers. Shared through the operator’s LinkedIn channel, the series explores the experiences and backgrounds of people working across the business.
Free Bee Network tram travel launched for Greater Manchester school groups
under a new 12-month partnership between Transport for Greater Manchester and Aviva. The scheme aims to remove transport costs as a barrier to educational visits across Greater Manchester.
Primary and secondary schools can apply through the Bee Network website for groups of at least 10 people. Eligible journeys must take place after 9.30 am on weekdays or any time during weekends.
Luas Red Line services to be suspended for engineering works
Luas Red Line services will be suspended between Red Cow and Tallaght/Saggart from the last tram on Friday 18th September until the first tram on Monday 21st September. The closure will allow track replacement at Belgard Stop and the Luas crossing over Belgard Road.
During the closure, trams will operate only between The Point or Connolly and Red Cow. Replacement buses will serve the affected stops, while Green Line services will run as normal. Work will also take place near Fettercairn Stop.
Strong public support recorded for Luas Cork proposals
Transport Infrastructure Ireland has published the Luas Cork Preferred Route 2026 Post-Consultation Report, with 85.2% of respondents supporting the development of the proposed light rail scheme. The eight-week consultation received 1,733 submissions and attracted 1,660 people to public events and briefings.
The feedback identified local concerns and opportunities that will inform the project’s next phase. Luas Cork will now progress through design refinement and environmental assessment. The full report is available online.
Irish Government approves MetroLink to proceed to detailed tender
The Irish Government has approved MetroLink to proceed to detailed tender, allowing market bids to be sought for the construction and operation of Dublin’s planned metro. Enabling works are expected to begin in early 2027, ahead of tunnelling and station construction.
The 19km, mostly underground railway would connect Estuary/Swords with Charlemont via Dublin Airport and the city centre. Its 16 stations would provide interchange with DART, Luas and bus services, carrying up to 20,000 passengers per direction each hour.
TfL environment plan highlights low-carbon upgrade at London Trams depot
Transport for London has published an updated Corporate Environment Plan, setting out more than 70 actions to reduce emissions and strengthen the transport network’s resilience to climate change.
The plan highlights Therapia Lane, home to London Trams, as TfL’s first depot to eliminate fossil gas use. Upgraded heating and on-site solar generation have helped reduce its environmental impact, forming part of TfL’s work to decarbonise its operations and use resources more sustainably.
Metro’s Famous Faces mural celebrates 30 years at Monument
Famous Faces, Bob Olley’s colourful mural at Monument Metro station, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Commissioned through Nexus’s Art on Transport Programme, the artwork has greeted millions of passengers since it was installed at the busy Newcastle station in 1996.
The mural depicts 14 well-known North East personalities looking through the windows of a Metro carriage, including Sting, Paul Gascoigne and Dame Catherine Cookson. An official Nexus film explores how the artwork was created.
Blackpool Transport shortlisted for three Global Light Rail Awards
Blackpool Transport has secured three places on the shortlist for the 2026 Global Light Rail Awards. Its Festival Family Saver ticket, which encouraged visitors to use public transport when attending Christmas events, has been nominated for Best Customer Initiative.
The operator’s sales team is shortlisted for Team of the Year following improvements in revenue and customer service, while Duty Manager Bradley Jones is in contention for the Rising Star award.
Keolis Group Chairman visits Dublin as Luas honours long-serving employees
Keolis Group Chairman Frédéric Van Heems visited Dublin to meet employees across Luas and hold discussions with Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The visit offered an overview of the network’s operations and KeolisAmey Luas’s plans for its next phase.
Van Heems also attended the Long Service Awards, which recognised employees who have supported Luas for 20 years. The occasion celebrated contributions to the network’s development with discussions on future growth & investment in employee development.
Nottingham Trams recruits Communications, Engagement and Inclusion Manager
Nottingham Trams is recruiting a full-time Communications, Engagement and Inclusion Manager, based at the NET Depot. The role offers a salary of up to £45,000 depending on experience and will lead communications with employees, customers and stakeholders.
The successful candidate will oversee internal and external communications, develop engagement campaigns and support equity, diversity and inclusion across the business. The position will also involve working with managers and frontline teams on key initiatives.
Delta Junction renewal captured in new timelapse
VolkerRail has released a 90-second timelapse showing a month of work to transform Sheffield Supertram’s Delta Junction near Park Square roundabout. The junction is a critical part of the network, with every tram route passing through the section.
The video documents the project’s progress and offers a concise look at the planning and engineering involved in delivering the works. Further information about the Delta Junction project is available from VolkerRail.
Final places remaining for Time for Trams 2026
Very limited places remain for Time for Trams 2026, taking place at The TechnoCentre in Coventry on Thursday 24th September. Supported by UKTram, the event will explore how to deliver new tram and light rail networks faster and more affordably.
Delegates will hear from political leaders and transport specialists, alongside an exclusive study tour examining the next phase of the Coventry Very Light Rail test track.
Heritage Highlights
Heaton Park Tramway opens museum for final free event of 2026
Heaton Park Tramway will hold its final free museum open day of 2026 on Saturday 19th September, from 11am–4.30 pm, as part of Manchester’s Heritage Open Days weekend. Although its vintage trams will not be operating, visitors can explore the collection and meet the volunteers who restore and maintain it.
The museum will display artefacts spanning more than 150 years of tramway history, and visitors can also climb aboard and learn to drive tramcars.
Model tram exhibition arrives at Seaton Station
The Tramway & Light Railway Society will display a selection of model trams and light railways at Seaton Station on 19th and 20th September 2026.
The free exhibition will give visitors an opportunity to explore detailed layouts and speak with Society members. The event will also introduce visitors to the Society’s work supporting tramway modelling, research and the preservation of photographs and drawings relating to tram and light railway history.
Volk’s Electric Railway marks Car 10’s centenary with illuminated service
Volk’s Electric Railway will celebrate Car 10's 100th anniversary on Saturday 19th September. A small celebration will take place at 6 pm to mark the historic vehicle's centenary.
Following the event, volunteers from the Volk’s Electric Railway Association will operate illuminated trains along the Brighton seafront railway until 9 pm, weather permitting. The special evening service will give visitors an opportunity to experience the railway after dark.
UKTram and LRSSB Updates
More than 150 light rail professionals attended the sold-out UKTram and LRSSB Summit in Birmingham on 16th September. Under the theme Smarter Systems, Stronger Networks, speakers explored the ideas and expertise shaping the sector’s future, including skills, innovation and the opportunities created by devolution.
The Light Rail Safety and Standards Board has appointed Phil Hudson as its new Head of Commercial Services. He will lead the organisation’s long-term commercial strategy and support the development of new partnerships in the UK and overseas.
Light rail professionals build OLE skills through UKTram supported training >> Light rail professionals recently completed the UK Light Rail Systems Overhead Line Training Course, designed to strengthen practical skills and knowledge in maintaining tramway overhead line equipment.
The next round-up will be published on Friday, 25th September, 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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