Steve Edwards, UKTram Chair, has recently joined key industry voices for a light rail roundtable hosted by Rail Forum. This is just the start of a collaborative partnership between the two organisations which will be formally launched in May. The session was an opportunity to support light rail’s unique benefits and potential within the UK’s wider transport strategy.
Discussions, which were held as part of a wider rail immersion programme for Mike Hill – Deputy Director Rail & Maritime at the Department for Business and Trade, focused on the economic value of light rail. This included its contribution to regeneration and sustainable growth. Attendees looked at the importance of light rail in enhancing connectivity within integrated transport networks, as well as the challenges associated with rising costs, particularly where systems lack standardisation.
The long-term return on investment for light rail was highlighted, with an emphasis on its self-sustaining nature once in operation. A consistent message given was the need for strong collaboration between government, local authorities and industry to reduce complexity and align priorities.
Steve Edwards commented: “It’s encouraging to see light rail firmly on the agenda in conversations around transport investment, skills and sustainability. Sessions like this are a chance to share lived experience across the sector and build consensus around practical next steps.”
The session was also attended by Sarah Turner from Nottingham Express Transit, Cath Leech from Anturas and Joshua Brown from Hitachi Rail.