Weekly Light Rail News | New DLR trains, major renewals & planning milestones | Friday 3rd October 2025

In this week’s round-up: the first of 54 new DLR trains enters service as networks press ahead with renewal and maintenance, Nexus confirms a six-day closure for major track works and SYMCA details Supertram upgrades. Edinburgh Trams supports a packed October events calendar, Nottingham offers student savings, and Dublin’s MetroLink secures planning approval. Plus, Scouts back the LRSSB ‘two lines = stop’ safety campaign, the Global Light Rail Awards celebrate sector excellence and UKTram’s MD sets out light rail’s long-term value in a new CIHT interview.

Six-day Metro closure for major track investment

Nexus has confirmed a six-day closure of the Metro line between Benton and Wallsend from 26–31 October to renew a key junction at Monkseaton. The works, part of the Metro Asset Renewal Programme, will see 600 metres of new track installed alongside rails, sleepers and ballast, with additional maintenance and station improvements also delivered during the closure.

Replacement bus services will operate throughout, and customers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

Students offered savings on Nottingham trams

NET is reminding students there’s still time to take advantage of a special offer on its Academic Year Tram Ticket. Available until 19 October 2025, the deal saves £50 on the cost of unlimited travel, working out at just 90p per day. Tickets can be purchased via the NETGO! app or online, providing an affordable way for students to travel across the network throughout the academic year.

Blackpool Transport recognises inspirational award wins

Blackpool Transport has celebrated the achievements of women in business, sponsoring this year’s Enterprise Vision Awards. Chief Executive of Alfie’s Squad, Allison Furlong, took top honours in the not-for-profit category at a gala event in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

Managing Director Jane Cole, herself a previous award winner, praised the winners and finalists for their inspirational work and vital contribution across industries. In addition, the operator is celebrating more accolades, having been named Tram Operator of the Year at the National Transport Awards and Highly Commended for Best Customer Initiative at the Global Light Rail Awards.

SYMCA invests in Supertram renewals to boost reliability

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has outlined a series of essential maintenance projects recently completed across the Supertram network, including track renewals at Ridgeway Road and Norfolk Park Viaduct, polymer replacement near Park Grange along with upgrades to tram stop poster cases.

The authority has committed more than £110m in investment by 2027 to improve trams, track, control systems and power supplies, as well as deliver the new Tram Train station at Magna.

New DLR trains enter service

The first of 54 brand-new Docklands Light Railway trains has entered service this week, marking the start of a major fleet replacement programme. Featuring walk-through carriages, air conditioning, real-time travel updates, charging points and improved accessibility, the new trains will boost comfort and capacity for customers.

Once the full rollout is complete by the end of 2026, overall DLR capacity will rise by more than 50 per cent, supporting growth in some of London’s fastest-developing areas.

Edinburgh Trams connects city to packed October events calendar

October is set to be a busy month for Edinburgh with Lulu and Priscilla Presley at the Usher Hall and hit musicals Six and Miss Saigon at the Playhouse. Highlights also include Oktoberfest, Edinburgh Cocktail Week, Comic Con and the Edinburgh Horror Festival.

With trams running up to every seven minutes, Edinburgh Trams is helping residents and visitors glide to events across the city with ease.

Dublin MetroLink planning approval

A milestone has been reached for Ireland’s largest infrastructure project, with planning permission granted for the MetroLink Railway Order. The decision allows the project to move forward towards procurement and construction, backed by government funding commitments under the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund.

Scouts back LRSSB's tramway safety campaign

A national campaign urging pedestrians to take extra care when crossing tram tracks has received a major boost from an organisation working with children and young people.

Scout leaders from across the UK have now pledged to pass on the Light Rail Safety & Standards Board message ‘Two Lines = STOP’ to their Groups during a recent event aimed at sharing ideas on future activity programmes.

UK Light Rail sector recognised at international awards ceremony

This week saw the annual Global Light Rail Awards take place in London, recognising innovation, collaboration and excellence across the international sector. UKTram was pleased to attend and sponsor the event, with credit to Mainspring for hosting a fantastic evening.

Several UK networks, suppliers and UKTram members were in attendance, with plenty of big wins on the night. Read our news story to find out more.

UKTram Managing Director highlights long-term benefits of trams in CIHT interview

In conversation with writer Tom Austin-Morgan, UKTram Managing Director, James Hammett reflects on renewed momentum for light rail, following fresh funding announcements for projects in Coventry and Birmingham. James explains how devolved powers are enabling local authorities to prioritise transport solutions that best connect new housing and industry.

The next round-up will be published on Friday, 10th October, 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