UKTram has recently enjoyed their first meeting with the newly appointed Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood MP, and following this are now looking forward to helping shape the government’s ambitions for the integrated transport networks for the future.
James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, went to Westminster to meet with Mr Lightwood as well as senior officials responsible for regions, cities and devolution at the Department for Transport.
James Hammett said: “The meeting with the Minister, and Dan Taylor, Deputy Director for Regional Partnerships, proved very informative. I was particularly impressed at their pragmatic approach to improving urban connectivity, and a recognition that solutions will embrace a range of different modes of public transport.
“Moving forward, this will be the first of a series of meetings that will see UKTram play an important role in developing the government’s local transport plans as part of its broader regional development policies. The strengthening of these relationships will also help to keep the benefits of light rail, the potential of very light rail, in the minds of key decision-makers as they commit to a more joined-up approach to improving local transport.”