The 2025 Urban Tram Forum (UTF) annual meeting took place in Amsterdam between 22nd and 24th October where members heard updates on current safety and operational topics from across the world.
The UFT was formed following the successful completion of COST Action TU1103 – Operation and Safety of Tramways Interacting with Urban Space and has continued to grow since 2016. It now includes experts from Europe, North America, and Australia, providing a unique international platform for collaboration.
The year’s session – hosted by GVB (Gemeente Gemeentevervoerbedrijf – the municipal public transport operator for Amsterdam) – explored a range of themes, including the implementation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in Utrecht, STRMG’s tram driver safety research along with fire safety considerations for light rail electric vehicles in public transport.
They also discussed accident investigations and a progress report on the Cerema work, around enhancing platform areas through things like tree planting, lighting and improving platform contract at crossroads.
James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, attended the event: “The Urban Tram Forum continues to provide a fantastic platform for sharing international experiences and developing practical safety solutions that can be applied across the light rail sector. GVB were extremely welcoming hosts. With even more members joining this year, the opportunity for wider networking and knowledge exchange was a real highlight.”
UKTram, along with the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, plan to visit Utrecht next year to see progress on the city’s ADAS technology trials, which are being closely watched across Europe as a model for improving tram driver support and network safety.