Passenger numbers increase on English tram and light rail systems

Posted on Tuesday 5 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

2024/5 has been a mostly successful year for tram and light rail systems in England with a 1% increase across all eight systems where figures are reported to the Department for Transport. But whilst the overall picture is a positive one it is a mixed bag with some systems seeing a rise in passenger with others having a fall. These figures are also the first time since 2007 that the two London systems do not account for at least 50% of the total numbers in England.

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In Pictures: Supertram trackworks continue

Posted on Tuesday 5 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

In this article we return to South Yorkshire Supertram for an update of the current improvement works taking place on Ridgeway Road, between the tramstops at Manor Top and Hollinsend. As well as seeing the actual rail replacement works we also feature some of the unusual tram moves taking place with a revised service in operation. Stuart Cooke is our photographer.

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Crich to hold special evening talk from Christian Wolmar

Posted on Tuesday 5 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

Christian Wolmar, a well-known journalist, author, and railway historian, will be giving a talk at the Crich Tramway Village on the evening of Friday 19th September 2025. Entitled Trams for the Future – It’s a Moving Story, the talk will look at the changes in public transport in Britain.

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In Pictures: 3075 receives Captain Morgan adverts as two more go back to fleet livery

Posted on Monday 4 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

More Manchester Metrolink advert changes to report on with one receiving new vinyls whilst two have returned to full fleet livery again. The three trams we look at in this article are 3075, 3003 and 3038.

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Edinburgh Trams recruit for new Project Engineer

Posted on Monday 4 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

Edinburgh Trams are advertising for a new Project Engineer, with the role created as a result of an increased workload. The job will assist in managing and coordinating works around Edinburgh Trams infrastructure in various stages, from concept through to on-site works.

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Side by Side: Blackpool Coronation 304 & Trawler 737

Posted on Monday 4 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

We are again looking at trams “Side by Side” in this pictorial article.

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Trams &: South Yorkshire Supertram 119 & bendy bus

Posted on Sunday 3 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

Today “Trams &” is heading into Sheffield and with the return of bendy buses to the streets of the city during rail replacement works we take the chance to see a tram with one of those vehicles.

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Temporary NET timetable extended

Posted on Sunday 3 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

Trams will continue to operate at a lower frequency during peak times on Nottingham Express Transit for at least another month. The temporary timetable introduced during June had originally been planned to be in use for four weeks but with repairs of the trams taking longer than originally expected it will now be in place until 31at August.

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Tyne and Wear Metro Overhead line works: 4th to 8th August 2025

Posted on Sunday 3 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

The section of the Tyne and Wear Metro between Hebburn and South Shields will be closed for five days between Monday 4th and Friday 8th August 2025 to allow overhead line works to take place.

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What’s New on British Trams Online? 3rd August 2025

Posted on Sunday 3 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

To northeast England for this week’s photos with a trip to Beamish:

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In Pictures: Crich launch Crowdfunder to support Access Tram 2

Posted on Saturday 2 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

If all goes according to plan, Crich Tramway Village could be the proud owners of a fully functional new Access Tram by March 2026 with the project to convert Blackpool Centenary 645 moving up a gear as a Crowdfunder is launched to help fund the work.

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Around the World in Trams: Schoneiche Rudersdorf 27

Posted on Saturday 2 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

As we enter August our world tour of trams moves on and we go from Czechia to Germany. We’re in Berlin for the next few weeks, although its not the main Berlin system which is featured.

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Tyne & Wear Metro signalling system upgrade confirmed

Posted on Saturday 2 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

It has been confirmed by the UK Government that they will be funding a major upgrade of the signalling system on the Tyne and Wear Metro. The DfT made the announcement on Tuesday 8th July.

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UKTram go to Rail Live 2025

Posted on Saturday 2 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

UKTram’s Lead Engineer, Phill Terry, was amongst 7.000 professionals from across the heavy and light rail industries who recently attended the Rail Live 2025 event at Long Marston. At the event he assessed what emerging developments could benefit the light rail community at this crucial point in its evolution.

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In Pictures: Summer Supertram trackworks get underway

Posted on Friday 1 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

Its summer and what more excuse is needed for some more improvements works on the South Yorkshire Supertram network at a time which is traditionally quieter with schools out for their summer holidays. The first stage of works this summer are on the Blue and Purple routes near Manor Top, Hollinsend and Park Grange and work got underway on Monday 28th July as seen in these images from Stuart Cooke.

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Seaton Tramway to celebrate 55 years over the August Bank Holiday weekend

Posted on Friday 1 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

2025 is the 55th anniversary of the Seaton Tramway and to celebrate this latest milestone they will be holding an Anniversary Gala Weekend on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August (the Bank Holiday weekend).

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Picture in Time: Glasgow 22

Posted on Friday 1 August 2025 by Gareth Prior

We are at Crich again for this edition of “Picture in Time” with a one of the workhorses of the fleet featured.

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In Pictures: Metrolink City Centre trackwork update

Posted on Thursday 31 July 2025 by Gareth Prior

As the major two month closure of the Manchester Metrolink line between Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly Station enters its final couple of weeks we take another look at recent progress on the track replacement with images coming from Steve Hyde and taken on 28th July 2025.

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In Pictures: Double Ozzy Osbourne trams as West Midlands Metro pays its respects

Posted on Thursday 31 July 2025 by Gareth Prior

Wednesday 30th July 2025 saw Birmingham pause to remember a music legend as Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral procession took place ahead of a private funeral the following day. West Midlands Metro were amongst those who paid their respects and with 37 currently being unavailable for service two other trams were used carrying his name.

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Overnight NET maintenance in August

Posted on Thursday 31 July 2025 by Gareth Prior

Essential maintenance works on Nottingham Express Transit will see no trams running between Wilkinson Street and The Forest after 2200 for four nights in August. Taking place from Monday 4th to Thursday 7th August 2025, the work involves repairs on the corner of Radford Road and Wilkinson Street and has been timed at night to minimise disruption for passengers.

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