UKTram’s Light Rail Operators Committee (LROC) have met again, this time in Edinburgh where the city’s tram network hosted representatives from across the UK. Once again it offered a valuable opportunity for operators to engage in open discussion and share insights.
During the session – which took place at Gogar Depot – Edinburgh Trams made a presentation on the Lead Mind system. This is a fleet agnostic, multi OEM digital platform for fleet management and safety. They looked at its implementation, the development of automatic braking and refining speed profiles across the network.
The presentation led to a discussion on speed monitoring and system responses to real-world conditions such as slip-slide and varying infrastructure. It also identified new areas for discussion, reinforcing the LROC’s role as a forum for sharing practical experience.
The complexity of implementing new systems in practice was highlighted as part of these discussions, with operators noting how solutions are refined over time and often require multiple iterations and sector collaboration.
Transport for Wales – who have their own plans to introduce light rail of course – also acknowledged the value of the group. They recognised the support and insight shared by members as they continue their project plans and that they intend to carry on working with the LROC as it continues to develop.
During the meeting, current Chair, Steve Mabey, announced that he would be stepping down from the role after four years.
Steve Mabey said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to work alongside such a collaborative, committed and professional group of colleagues from across the sector. The progress we’ve made together, the shared learning, and the open exchange of operational best practice are things I’m hugely proud of. I’ve taken a great deal of value from the role and from everyone involved over the years.”
The next LROC meeting will take place in June.