As is the norm at the end of the year we start to look back on our achievements over the past 12 months and UKTram are no different with their review of 2025 celebrating not only a brilliant year for the organisation but also the wider light rail sector. 2025 has seen record engagement across their functional groups, growing government confidence in light rail investment and patronage has increased to over 231 million with systems outside of London seeing a 6% uplift and vehicle miles up by 4%.
The year saw the delivery of the highest number of Functional Group meetings and Best Practice Days, both of which allowed purposeful engagement from members. Knowledge sharing continued between operators and sector challenges have been increasingly addressed through collective problem-solving. Work has also progressed on the long-term 2040 & Beyond Vision, due to be published in 2026, which will help to frame the future direction of light rail in the UK.
UKTram also expanded their team to support the growing and more complex sector, welcoming new roles focused on knowledge management, digital communications and stakeholder and innovation engagement.
James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, said: “The progress made this year has been shaped by the effort of people across the sector. Engagement across our membership has never been stronger and the confidence we are seeing from government and promoters is a clear signal that light rail continues to play a vital role in the UK’s transport future.”
Across the light rail sector, the year delivered strong signals of growth and confidence. Passenger journeys were on the increase, especially seen outside of London, whilst vehicle miles and revenue also went up during 2025. Major programmes progressed in Birmingham, Blackpool, and Dublin, and new schemes and extensions moved closer to delivery elsewhere.
Looking ahead to 2026 and UKTram will remain focused on supporting delivery, strengthening standards and promoting light rail as a key contribution to economic growth, decarbonisation and better places.