A new report released by the Campaign for Better Transport has highlighted the essential role of rail and light rail in supporting cleaner, better-connected cities, The Making the Connection: Rail and the sustainable growth opportunity report uses two examples of light rail’s impact and potential,
UKTram are a proud Corporate Champion of Campaign for Better Transport, and have welcomed the report’s focus on real-world case studies, including Nottingham Trams. The mature, well-integrated system has delivered economic and environmental benefits, with park-and-ride sites, smart ticketing integration and investment from the local authority. The network is helping to reduce congestion and support the city’s carbon reduction goals.
The report also looks at Cardiff Cross Rail, part of the South Wales Metro programme, which should connect employment, education and residential hubs through new light rail links. It demonstrates how trams can underpin urban regeneration and provide affordable, high-capacity transport that reduces car dependency.
These two examples underline how important light rail is in supporting to achieve net zero ambitions as well as being a boost local economies and deliver the reliable, sustainable transport networks that modern cities demand.
The report also highlights light rail as a vital component of sustainable urban transport, describing tram and light rail systems as high-capacity, low-emission networks that attract long-term investment and encourage regeneration, calling for a consistent national approach to unlock further projects.
The report can be read online at https://bettertransport.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Making-the-connection-report-Sept-2025-WEB.pdf