UKTram

Nurturing the next generation of light rail professionals must be a key priority for the sector, and we are helping to lead the way. The challenge of attracting and retaining talent was highlighted at the recent Light Rail conference in Leeds when Dan Hill, our Executive Assistant, led a panel discussion featuring rising stars from across the sector. “We have already taken the lead on the subject by setting up a working group to explore ways to promote light rail as a rewarding career option, and while this work is ongoing, we expect to draw on the experience of colleagues as a range of initiatives take shape,” Dan said. Dan was joined on the panel by Phill Page from First Tram Operations Limited, Anna T. of Mott MacDonald, Edward Rymer from Colas Rail, and Lucy Davison from SYSTRA, who all shared their experiences of a sector that provides a wealth of opportunities in a host of disciplines – from engineering to marketing. “I was delighted to be asked to lead the debate by conference organisers Mainspring and to hear so many inspirational stories during the debate,” Dan added. Thanks to all the panellists for their enlightening contributions and to Mainspring for providing a great platform for these discussions. #uktram #lightrail #LRC2024 #lightrailprofessionals #talent #publictransport #careerdevelopment

Catch up on the latest developments in the light rail sector in our weekly news round-up. From the sector this week: → Pre Metro Operations Ltd. makes a significant charitable contribution to an air ambulance service. → NET Nottingham Trams collaborates with a local university. → Light Rail Safety & Standards Board (LRSSB) expands its team with a new data analyst. → Edinburgh Trams gears up for its festival season with all-night trams set to make a comeback. Read more on these stories here: https://lnkd.in/eXTmH_MM #uktram #lightrail #publictransport #communityengagement #tram #tramyway #publictransit

We are proud to share the commendable efforts of one of our members, Pre Metro Operations Ltd. who recently visited the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s new headquarters. During their visit to this state-of-the-art facility, the Pre Metro team learned about the essential emergency services provided and celebrated a significant milestone in community support. The highlight of the visit was presenting a generous donation of £3695, which was raised on behalf of Stourbridge Shuttle Driver David Spruce. David has impressively contributed towards raising £100,000 for the charity. Accompanied by Steve Jasper, Director of Pre Metro, David's dedication was recognised as they handed over the cheque, reflecting our sector's deep-rooted values of community engagement. As we continue to support our members' initiatives, we commend David and Pre Metro for their outstanding contributions to the charity. #uktram #member #charity #lightrail #communityengagement #publictransport

Last week, the UK Light Rail Conference 2024 was a resounding success in Leeds. Centered around the theme 'Looking to the Future,' the event showcased a wealth of ideas and innovations shaping the direction of light rail in the UK. Our Managing Director, James Hammett, delivered an insightful presentation on "UK Light Rail: Looking to the Future." He also participated in a critical panel discussion on "The Next Generation of Light Rail in the UK: What the future landscape could (and should) look like," which sparked some memorable dialogues on our industry's potential trajectories. A huge thank you to Mainspring and all the industry experts who joined us for two days packed with enlightening presentations and unmatched networking opportunities. See you next year! #uklightrail #lightrail #tram #tramway #leeds2024 #publictransport #innovation #networking #lightrailsector #futuretransport Image Credit: Mainspring

Plans to bring the Tyne & Wear Metro to Washington have moved a step closer, with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness announcing over £8.6m of funding to kickstart the project's development. On a visit to the site of the disused Leamside Line, the Mayor said that reopening the line was a top priority. A report recommending developing a business case for the Leamside Line, including the Metro extension to Washington, will be presented to the North East Combined Authority’s Cabinet this month. We applaud Mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority for prioritising this expansion, which will support regional growth and encourage more communities to travel light! #lightrail #lrt #urbantransport #publictransit #project #funding

Recently, discussions around expanding London's Docklands Light Railway (DLR) have gained momentum. Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, indicated this week that an extension from Beckton to Barking Riverside will be considered. Currently, there are plans to extend the DLR across the Thames from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead, with a new station at Beckton Riverside poised to facilitate further expansions. The extension aims to enhance connectivity across the Thames and accommodate potential future extensions in multiple directions. #lightrail #dlr #lightrailway #london #londontransport #publictransport #externsion #lrt #urbantransit

Last week, Dr Julia Neville gave a detailed presentation on the history of Exeter's tram system at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery in Exeter. From 1882 to 1931, trams were a staple in Exeter. They evolved from horse-drawn carriages to electric vehicles, shaping the city's development and accessibility. Julia's talk highlighted the crucial role trams played in everyday life as a transport solution and a social catalyst that brought people together for work, leisure and commerce. Dr Neville shed light on the initial resistance from local gentry and shopkeepers against trams on the High Street, which later became pivotal for boosting trade post-World War I. She also explored the societal shifts that led to the replacement of trams by buses in 1931, deemed more suitable for the emerging motor car era. The presentation vividly portrayed the past, reflecting on how public transportation has continually evolved to meet the needs of changing urban landscapes. Thank you to the RAMM Museum for hosting this insightful event and to Dr Neville for her engaging and whimsical recount of Exeter’s tram heritage. #historyoftransport #exetertrams #publictransport #exeter #urbanmobility #professionallearning #trams #tramway #lightrail

The West Midlands Metro team has created a day to remember for youngsters from a Midlands school as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations. Classmates of 9-year-old Pargunn Kaur Birring, who designed a logo to mark the landmark birthday, were invited to Wednesbury for a behind-the-scenes tour of our tram depot. Last week, Pargunn was among 10 youngsters from Wattville Primary School who enjoyed a guided tour of workshops, training facilities and the depot’s high-tech tram control room. Accompanied by their arts teacher, the students had the opportunity to get behind the controls of a ‘virtual’ tram thanks to a state-of-the-art training simulator. #westmidlandsmetro #lightrail #lrt #westmidlands #publictransport

Music lovers are in for a real treat later this month as the much-loved Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival returns to the West Midlands for the fortieth time. West Midlands Metro is excited to support the event again, offering a 10 per cent discount on tram travel for volunteers and performers, ensuring the festival runs smoothly and delighting jazz and blues fans. The festival features over 200 performances, workshops, talks, exhibitions, and masterclasses, most of which are free to attend. Seeing such a strong partnership between public transport and cultural events is always fantastic. Not only does it promote community and connectivity, but it also increases the appeal of public transport. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e4cQ9gz5 #publictransport #westmidlands #publictransit #connectivity #passengerexperience #lightrail #masstransit

In this week’s news from the Light Rail sector: → Youngsters enjoy a day to remember thanks to West Midlands Metro → Work gets underway to improve sections of Manchester Metrolink → Luas supports family fun day → ‘Dinosaur Day’ at Tramway Village looks set to be a roaring success. Tap here for the full round-up: https://lnkd.in/eu6FQWnp #roundup #lightrail #publictransport #tram #tramway #metro