Over 120 industry professionals attended this years UKTram & LRSSB Light Rail Summit in Birmingham where they heard sector insights and discussions were held looking to the future of tram and light rail in the UK.
The summit – the seventh organised by UKTram – included a packed agenda of topical presentations and panel discussions which covered the future of light rail, social responsibility, skills, innovation and opportunities to strengthen links across the wider transport sector.
The morning was led by UKTram, including presentations by Chair, Steve Edwards, and Managing Director, James Hammett. James highlighted the organisation’s latest priorities and achievements and he was followed by updates from the StreetLink team (on how public transport can help to tackle rough sleeping), RailForum (on collaborative plans between the two organisations and Sam Riley from Young Rail Professionals discussed how the next generation of light rail leaders can be empowered.
The afternoon programme was then led by the LRSSB with CEO Carl Williams outlining future strategy and there were then updates on key workstreams and recent successes from the LRSSB team.
The event also saw sessions from Transdev Ireland who gave a Luas operational update and there was a presentation on obsolescence and Rachel Harcourt from the DfT discussed climate change adaptation for light rail.
James Hammett said: “This year’s Summit once again demonstrated the strength of the light rail community, providing a forum for sharing best practice and opportunities along with tackling common challenges. We are grateful to all our speakers, exhibitors and delegates for making it a valuable and enjoyable day.”