Category Archives: General

In Pictures: Lucie in action at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Thanks in no small part to its appearances on Channel 5 series “A Yorkshire Steam Railway” and “Britain by Steam” probably the most famous steam tram engine in the UK now is Lucie, an engine which spent most of its … Continue reading

Posted in General | 1 Comment

Could HS2 northern leg cancellation provide a boost for trams?

As had been widely predicted, Wednesday 4th October saw UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirm that the northern leg of HS2 between Birmingham and Manchester would be cancelled after the continued increase in costs. The rights and wrongs of this … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, General, Manchester Metrolink, Nottingham Express Transit, South Yorkshire Supertram, West Midlands Metro | 9 Comments

In Pictures: Alford Valley Community Railway resumes operation

The Alford Valley Community Railway in Aberdeenshire has recently started running again after a five year closure, but what does this have to do with trams in the British Isles? Well, amongst their rolling stock is a former Aberdeen Suburban … Continue reading

Posted in General | Comments Off on In Pictures: Alford Valley Community Railway resumes operation

Telford Steam Railway get chance to secure boiler for their steam tram

Back in April we reported that the Telford Steam Railway were launching a fundraising appeal to allow their narrow gauge steam tram engine to return to service. At the time they were looking to raise around £20,000 for the construction … Continue reading

Posted in General | Comments Off on Telford Steam Railway get chance to secure boiler for their steam tram

ORR praise heritage tramways engagement on renewed focus on safety

Dr Lindsey Smith, HM Inspector of Railways at the Office of Road and Rail, has praised the light rail heritage sector for their willingness to engage with regulators on enhancing safety processes and risk management. Regular followers of heritage tramways … Continue reading

Posted in General | Comments Off on ORR praise heritage tramways engagement on renewed focus on safety

Stourbridge Shuttle reaches 7 million passengers

The UK’s current only example of Very Light Rail is celebrating carrying its seven millionth passenger since it started operating in 2009. The Stourbridge Shuttle is thought to be the shortest passenger transit route in Europe at 0.8 miles long … Continue reading

Posted in General | Comments Off on Stourbridge Shuttle reaches 7 million passengers

Havering Council to look into possibility of trams

Havering Council – in East London comprising areas including Romford and Hornchurch – launched a vision for improving infrastructure in the borough and Thames Corridor earlier this year at an event held at the Palace of Westminster. This vision will … Continue reading

Posted in General | 2 Comments

LRSSB to boost tramway safety with fresh focus on testing

The Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) have revealed that they are stepping up support for specialist training within light rail to help develop a further boost to safety, operational performance and the wellbeing of those working in the … Continue reading

Posted in General | Comments Off on LRSSB to boost tramway safety with fresh focus on testing

In Pictures: Another red wheel plaque celebrates UK tramway heritage

The National Transport Trust’s Red Wheel scheme continues to increase the number of sites it is recognising with the latest set to be unveiled being in Edinburgh. Not due to be formally unveiled until 7th August this red wheel commemorates … Continue reading

Posted in General | Comments Off on In Pictures: Another red wheel plaque celebrates UK tramway heritage

In Pictures: The “Auld Tram” in Dundee

In many towns and cities across the UK there are coffee shops/kiosks which are in temporary structures – and some of these are designed to look like trams. There is one such one in Dundee but unlike many of the … Continue reading

Posted in General | 1 Comment

Trampower to continue Southwark tram route development – despite TfL concerns

Trampower are to continue to with their plans for a tram route in the London borough of Southwark – even though Transport for London have expressed their concern about the scheme. The planned route would run between London Bridge and … Continue reading

Posted in General | 2 Comments

In Pictures: Another commemoration of 70 years since the end of Birmingham’s original trams

Over the weekend of Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th July the Wythall Transport Museum commemorated the 70th anniversary since Birmingham Corporation Tramways ran their last services. The weekend saw a display of model trams at the museum whilst the chance … Continue reading

Posted in General, Models | Comments Off on In Pictures: Another commemoration of 70 years since the end of Birmingham’s original trams

In Pictures: Lucie says farewell to the East Lancashire Railway

Of the various eras of tramway operation one of the more regular ones which is little represented in the operating collections across the British Isles is that of the steam tram. There is only one fully operational standard gauge steam … Continue reading

Posted in General | 3 Comments

In Pictures: Tram track found in Sheffield

As regular readers of British Trams Online will be aware under the road surfaces in many UK towns and cities there is tram track lurking. Track which hasn’t been used in anger for many, many years but was just covered … Continue reading

Posted in General | Comments Off on In Pictures: Tram track found in Sheffield

Can You Help identify finial?

We have been contacted in regards to a finial which was purchased several years ago and was sold at the time as being from the Swansea & Mumbles Railway. However, its believed that this is incorrect and after investigations it … Continue reading

Posted in General | Comments Off on Can You Help identify finial?

Calling all aspiring writers!

Do you fancy yourself as a poet or an author of short stories? If you do then you can put your interest in poetry alongside your interest in transport by submitting a poem or short story on the subject of … Continue reading

Posted in General | Comments Off on Calling all aspiring writers!

Available now – one “imperfect” edition of Lytham Trams book

Earlier this year the third book in the trilogy of Brian Turner books on tramways of the Fylde Coast was released. The Blackpool Conduit Tramway was another well received book from the pen of Brian Turner but at the time … Continue reading

Posted in General | Comments Off on Available now – one “imperfect” edition of Lytham Trams book

Acocks Green Library to commemorate 70 years since Birmingham tram closure

Acocks Green Library in Birmingham is to hold a special event on Saturday 24th June to commemorate 70 years since the last tram operated on the first generation tramway in the city. Taking place between 1000-1300 and 1400-1600 the event … Continue reading

Posted in General | Comments Off on Acocks Green Library to commemorate 70 years since Birmingham tram closure

Telford Steam Railway launch appeal to return steam tram to use

The Telford Steam Railway have launched an appeal to raise funds which will return their narrow gauge steam tram engine to use. It last ran in 2019 after its vertical boiler was condemned and now funding is needed to replace … Continue reading

Posted in General | Comments Off on Telford Steam Railway launch appeal to return steam tram to use

Reporting system roll out aims to enhance tram safety

A new and enhanced accident and incident reporting system has been welcomed by light rail leaders and is now ready to help boost tramway safety across the country. Senior executives from all UK networks heard at a pre-launch event in … Continue reading

Posted in General | Comments Off on Reporting system roll out aims to enhance tram safety