UKTram have announced the strengthening of their relationship with the Permanent Way Institution (PWI), one of the rail industry’s most respected professional bodies with a new agreement. This will see UKTram formally joining PWI as a Corporate Member, reinforcing its commitment to technical excellence, cross-sector learning and workforce development across rail infrastructure.
Founded in 1884, the PWI is the only professional engineering institution dedicated solely to rail infrastructure, providing technical training, events, and professional registration to more than 3,000 members and corporate partners. Its influence spans engineering, construction, consultancy and governance, making it an invaluable addition to the UKTram network.
James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, said: “We’re really pleased to have joined the PWI as a Corporate Member and equally proud to welcome them as a new member of UKTram. The expertise they bring in infrastructure engineering is highly relevant to the long-term sustainability and innovation of the light rail sector. We look forward to working together to promote knowledge-sharing and collaboration at a national level.”
Meanwhile, Technical Services Director at the PWI, Joan Heery, added: “We are delighted to join UK Tram as a corporate member, which will allow us to build on our existing strong partnership. Many of our members have experience working in the Light Rail Sector, and it is our ambition to help further raise the level of technical expertise in this area. The PWI held its first technical seminar on Light Rail in November 2024, which was very well received, and we are currently planning our second, which will take place in May 2026 in Leeds.”
This is a two-way partnership, the PWI have also become a member of UKTram, and will reflect both organisations shared commitment to high standards, sector development, and stronger connections between infrastructure, operations and policy. It also supports the wider ambitions to promote light rail as a key component of integrated, sustainable transport in the UK.