Author Archives: Gareth Prior

In Pictures: More images as heritage trams are back in Blackpool

Posted on Tuesday 21 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

As we’ve previously covered Illumination Tours resumed operation in Blackpool on Wednesday 15th October 2025 with all heritage trams having been confined to depot since December 2024 following a decision to suspend operations for a review. We know its just … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 17 Comments

Update (of sorts) given on plans for Sheffield tram expansion

Posted on Tuesday 21 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Its another one of those “could there be tram extensions coming” articles and this time we’re off to South Yorkshire where an update (limited as it is) has been given by transport bosses on potential plans for adding to the … Continue reading →

Posted in South Yorkshire Supertram | 2 Comments

UKTram and Rail Forum team up for industry event in November

Posted on Tuesday 21 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

UKTram and Rail Forum, who recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their working relationship, have joined together to run a Focus on Light Rail industry event this November.

Posted in UKTram | Comments Off on UKTram and Rail Forum team up for industry event in November

In Pictures: Metrolink 3056 returns to service

Posted on Monday 20 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Manchester Metrolink 3056 has become the latest tram to return to service after a prolonged period out of use with its first passenger use for almost seven months coming on Thursday 16th October 2025.

Posted in Manchester Metrolink | 1 Comment

Dogs to be allowed permanently on Supertram

Posted on Monday 20 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Following a trial earlier this year and a survey which saw 75% of people in favour, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) have confirmed that dogs will be permanently allowed on Supertram services.

Posted in South Yorkshire Supertram | 2 Comments

Side by Side: Blackpool Twin Car 272+T2 & Works Brush 259

Posted on Monday 20 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Today we go “Side by Side” and a trip to Rigby Road Depot in Blackpool is in order.

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, Side by Side | 3 Comments

Out and About 2025: West Midlands Metro – August 2025

Posted on Sunday 19 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

We start to go “Out and About” again and the first location is the West Midlands Metro.

Posted in West Midlands Metro | Comments Off on Out and About 2025: West Midlands Metro – August 2025

Positive public response to tram-train plans for Edinburgh

Posted on Sunday 19 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Could Edinburgh get a tram-train line as well as its already established conventional tramway? If campaigners have their way it could with the South Suburban railway being considered for reopening as a tram-train line. A recent public meeting held at … Continue reading →

Posted in Edinburgh Trams | Comments Off on Positive public response to tram-train plans for Edinburgh

UKTram represent light rail at ORR event

Posted on Sunday 19 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

UKTram Managing Director, James Hammett, was proud to recently represent the light rail sector at the annual Office of Rail and Road (ORR) annual stakeholder event. “A Year in Rail and the Track Ahead” was held on 17th July 2025 … Continue reading →

Posted in UKTram | Comments Off on UKTram represent light rail at ORR event

New mural unveiled in Metro underpass

Posted on Sunday 19 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

The Tyne and Wear Metro underpass at Wallsend has been transformed thanks to a new mural. The design has been created by mural and graffiti artist Mark One87 after a series of community workshops with Richardson Dees Primary School, Move … Continue reading →

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Comments Off on New mural unveiled in Metro underpass

More new Metro trains carry their first passengers

Posted on Saturday 18 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

There have been a further three of new trains on the Tyne and Wear Metro which have entered service since our last update, bringing the total number used so far up to 22.

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Comments Off on More new Metro trains carry their first passengers

What’s New on British Trams Online? 18th October 2025

Posted on Saturday 18 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Two more sets of photos this week with London Trams and West Midlands Metro the subjects this time:

Posted in London Trams, Site News, West Midlands Metro | Comments Off on What’s New on British Trams Online? 18th October 2025

Around the World in Trams: Rostock 59

Posted on Saturday 18 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

We have another edition of “Around the World in Trams” and we stay back in 1979 over the other side of the wall in East Germany.

Posted in Around the World in Trams | Comments Off on Around the World in Trams: Rostock 59

Contactless payments coming to West Midlands Metro

Posted on Saturday 18 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

West Midlands Metro is set to be latest tram network in the UK to offer the opportunity to “Tap In” and “Tap Out” to pay for their travel with the start of the installation of validators on tramstop platforms.

Posted in West Midlands Metro | Comments Off on Contactless payments coming to West Midlands Metro

Public support for Cork Luas revealed in first consultation report

Posted on Saturday 18 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Plans to bring trams to the Irish city of Cork have moved a step further with the results of the initial public consultation having been released. These results show that there is support for Cork Luas with many of those … Continue reading →

Posted in Cork Luas | Comments Off on Public support for Cork Luas revealed in first consultation report

In Pictures: Views of the Birmingham Eastside extension

Posted on Friday 17 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

The first phase of the Birmingham Eastside extension as far as Millennium Point (by the Clayton Hotel) is set to be the next UK tram extension to open with the expectation that passengers will be able to travel onto it … Continue reading →

Posted in West Midlands Metro | Comments Off on In Pictures: Views of the Birmingham Eastside extension

Picture in Time: Blackpool Balloon 719

Posted on Friday 17 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

We return to “Picture in Time” as we feature another 1979 image from Blackpool.

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, Picture in Time | Comments Off on Picture in Time: Blackpool Balloon 719

In Pictures: Illumination Tours start in Blackpool

Posted on Thursday 16 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Wednesday 15th October 2025 saw the first Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours to run for 10 months with the start of a brief return for the Lightpool Festival. Illumination Tours using two trams (one per night) will now run Wednesday-Sunday until … Continue reading →

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 4 Comments

NET Works: No trams to Phoenix Park Sunday 19th October morning

Posted on Thursday 16 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Emergency works are to take place on Nottingham Express Transit between 0600 and 1300 on Sunday 19th October meaning no trams will be able to operate to Phoenix Park during this period.

Posted in Nottingham Express Transit | Comments Off on NET Works: No trams to Phoenix Park Sunday 19th October morning

New tram book coming soon as former tram conductor in Leeds details his experiences

Posted on Thursday 16 October 2025 by Gareth Prior

Chris Thornburn has been passionate about preserving tramway heritage for the best part of 70 years. In his tenth decade, he has written what appears to be a unique and irreplaceable contribution to British tramway literature – his forthcoming book … Continue reading →

Posted in General | 3 Comments