The latest example of UKTram collaborating with other organisations from around the world occurred in mid-June when representatives attended the 82nd UTIP Light Rail Committee Meeting. The event was hosted between 15th and 17th June 2026 by Bybanen Bergen Light Rail and saw 39 representatives from light rail organisations across the world.
The programme saw discussion on lean management, automated and autonomous train operation, rolling stock and vehicle maintenance, urban metro development and statistics.
There was also an overview of the Bybanen network and their development strategy. This system demonstrates how transport infrastructure can be integrated into urban environments to support sustainable growth and enhanced public spaces.
During the course of the three-day event there was a focus on how different systems are adapting to increasingly challenging weather conditions. This included a showcase by the Bybanen team of a new app which is designed to predict when ‘ghost trams’ may be required to run during averse weather.
Steve Duckering, UKTram Operations Manager, and Simon Coulthard, UKTram Board Member and Head of Light Rail at Network Rail, both attended the event as they contributed to the discussions.
Steve Duckering said: “The opportunity to sit at the heart of these discussions and learn from networks across the world is always beneficial. The willingness to openly share experiences is something that really stands out within the global light rail community. This might be digital innovation in Bergen, lessons from extreme weather in Madrid and Warsaw or new approaches to operations and maintenance, there’s always something we can bring back and share with colleagues across the UK.”