The recent UK Tram Summit which took place in Birmingham during September saw UKTram able to set the scene of their future plans. This included looking at effective cyber security, reducing the risks of terrorists and the use of virtual reality to tackle anti-social behaviour.
James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, said: “We are operating in a new political landscape, and it’s vital our plans evolve to embrace fresh opportunities while addressing the many challenges faced by our members.
“The summit enabled us to engage with figures from across the sector during a day of topical debate while providing a platform for use to encourage them to engage in a consultation on the future priorities of the organisation.
“Our immediate plans include stepping up the work of our functional working groups and establishing closer ties with the new government, but as we approach the end of our existing three-year business plan, it’s vital we set out a clear plan to build on our successes to date.”
Delegates – which included light rail leaders from across the UK – also heard about successful initiatives which are helping to secure a sustainable future for light rail in the country. They were also asked to help shape the future of UKTram as it plans its strategy for 2025 and beyond.
The Summit was co-organised by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board who provided a round-up of work they have done to enhance tramway safety. The LRSSB said how a continued focus on the reporting of accidents and near misses would be key to future advances in safety across the sector. The success of the Tram Accident and Incident Reporting System was highlighted and how it is driving practical mitigation measures.
Carl Williams, Chief Executive of the LRSSB, said: “By establishing a common language for incident reporting and enhancing a system to collect data from operators, we have been able to take risk modelling to the next level. This work has clearly identified collisions with pedestrians as the most immediate threat, prompting a national campaign that’s helping operators to remind people to be aware of their surroundings when close to tram tracks.”
There were also presentations on a tram-train project by Transport for Wales in Cardiff, fatigue management best practice and the role men need to play when it comes to gender diversity in the workplace.