New report from Campaign for Better Transport showcases light rails support in better connected cities

Posted on Thursday 23 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

A new report released by the Campaign for Better Transport has highlighted the essential role of rail and light rail in supporting cleaner, better-connected cities, The Making the Connection: Rail and the sustainable growth opportunity report uses two examples of light rail’s impact and potential,

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New Audit and Safety Officer appointed by LRSSB

Posted on Thursday 23 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

The Light Rail Standards and Safety Board (LRSSB) have appointed an experienced safety auditor and accident investigator into a new role which will help to continue their excellent progress in improving safety across the UK light rail sector.

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In Pictures: RHTT out on the Tyne and Wear Metro

Posted on Wednesday 22 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

There are some things which are common sights on most tram and light rail systems in the UK, and then there are some things which are more particular to one system. One thing which falls into the second category is the Rail Head Treatment Train which is used on the Tyne and Wear Metro as they attempt to cure the old problem of leaves on the line!

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Metrolink 3061 back in fleet livery

Posted on Wednesday 22 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Manchester Metrolink 3061 has now returned to fleet livery following the removal of advertising vinyls for Skechers. The vinyls were removed from the tram in mid-October 2025.

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UKTram Owners and Authorities group meet to set new objectives

Posted on Wednesday 22 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

The Owners and Authorities group at UKTram have met for the first time since the new leadership of Chair Chris Hopkinson and Vice-Chair Stuart Lowrie was announced earlier this year.

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In Pictures: More images as heritage trams are back in Blackpool

Posted on Tuesday 21 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

As we’ve previously covered Illumination Tours resumed operation in Blackpool on Wednesday 15th October 2025 with all heritage trams having been confined to depot since December 2024 following a decision to suspend operations for a review. We know its just a very brief return (Wednesdays-Sundays with last tours for 2025 being 1st November) but for the next few weeks the tracks of Blackpool Promenade will once again see some historic trams in operation.

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Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 17 Comments

Update (of sorts) given on plans for Sheffield tram expansion

Posted on Tuesday 21 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Its another one of those “could there be tram extensions coming” articles and this time we’re off to South Yorkshire where an update (limited as it is) has been given by transport bosses on potential plans for adding to the 30+ year old Supertram network.

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UKTram and Rail Forum team up for industry event in November

Posted on Tuesday 21 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

UKTram and Rail Forum, who recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their working relationship, have joined together to run a Focus on Light Rail industry event this November.

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In Pictures: Metrolink 3056 returns to service

Posted on Monday 20 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Manchester Metrolink 3056 has become the latest tram to return to service after a prolonged period out of use with its first passenger use for almost seven months coming on Thursday 16th October 2025.

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Dogs to be allowed permanently on Supertram

Posted on Monday 20 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Following a trial earlier this year and a survey which saw 75% of people in favour, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) have confirmed that dogs will be permanently allowed on Supertram services.

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Side by Side: Blackpool Twin Car 272+T2 & Works Brush 259

Posted on Monday 20 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Today we go “Side by Side” and a trip to Rigby Road Depot in Blackpool is in order.

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Posted in Blackpool Tramway, Side by Side | 3 Comments

Out and About 2025: West Midlands Metro – August 2025

Posted on Sunday 19 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

We start to go “Out and About” again and the first location is the West Midlands Metro.

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Positive public response to tram-train plans for Edinburgh

Posted on Sunday 19 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Could Edinburgh get a tram-train line as well as its already established conventional tramway? If campaigners have their way it could with the South Suburban railway being considered for reopening as a tram-train line. A recent public meeting held at Edinburgh City Chambers showed there was a great deal of support for the plans, energising the group to continue with their campaign.

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UKTram represent light rail at ORR event

Posted on Sunday 19 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

UKTram Managing Director, James Hammett, was proud to recently represent the light rail sector at the annual Office of Rail and Road (ORR) annual stakeholder event. “A Year in Rail and the Track Ahead” was held on 17th July 2025 at The Memoir Club in London.

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New mural unveiled in Metro underpass

Posted on Sunday 19 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

The Tyne and Wear Metro underpass at Wallsend has been transformed thanks to a new mural. The design has been created by mural and graffiti artist Mark One87 after a series of community workshops with Richardson Dees Primary School, Move It Studios and North East Family Fitness where he asked them to help him represent the heritage and identity of Wallsend.

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More new Metro trains carry their first passengers

Posted on Saturday 18 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

There have been a further three of new trains on the Tyne and Wear Metro which have entered service since our last update, bringing the total number used so far up to 22.

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What’s New on British Trams Online? 18th October 2025

Posted on Saturday 18 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Two more sets of photos this week with London Trams and West Midlands Metro the subjects this time:

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Around the World in Trams: Rostock 59

Posted on Saturday 18 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

We have another edition of “Around the World in Trams” and we stay back in 1979 over the other side of the wall in East Germany.

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Contactless payments coming to West Midlands Metro

Posted on Saturday 18 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

West Midlands Metro is set to be latest tram network in the UK to offer the opportunity to “Tap In” and “Tap Out” to pay for their travel with the start of the installation of validators on tramstop platforms.

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Public support for Cork Luas revealed in first consultation report

Posted on Saturday 18 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Plans to bring trams to the Irish city of Cork have moved a step further with the results of the initial public consultation having been released. These results show that there is support for Cork Luas with many of those who objected to the plans wanting a larger network and for the project to be delivered quicker than the current plans.

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