Another LRSSB podcast discusses steps towards greater independence

Posted on Tuesday 27 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

The second release of 2026 for the “Let’s Talk Light Rail” podcast has been released where the LRSSB team discuss plans for the future governance of the organisation.

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Two more Metrocars go for scrap

Posted on Monday 26 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

Another week and another two Metrocars have headed off to be scrapped as the programme continues at a pace. The latest two to go are 4008 and 4045 – both of which were still able to move under their own power!

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Colas Rail UK secure new contracts for West Midlands Metro extensions

Posted on Monday 26 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

Colas Rail UK have had a long-term relationship with the Midland Metro Alliance as their principal contractor and they have now been awarded further contracts to help the continued expansion of the West Midlands Metro network.

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15 Years Apart: Seaton Tramway 11

Posted on Monday 26 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

We go “15 Years Apart” again with two images of a tram – one taken in 2010 and the other in 2025.

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Out and About: West Midlands Metro – December 2025

Posted on Sunday 25 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

We head back to December 2025 for this latest edition of “Out and About”.

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Line closure for Tyne and Wear Metro in February

Posted on Sunday 25 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

The Tyne and Wear Metro’s Asset Renewal Programme will be continuing for five days in February, with a line closure between Shiremoor and St James from Monday 16th to Friday 20th February.

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Metrolink Ashton line suspended after car abandoned on tracks

Posted on Sunday 25 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

The tram service between Piccadilly and Ashton-under-Lyne was suspended for a couple of hours on the morning of Sunday 18th January after a car was abandoned on the tracks at New Islington.

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End of August for trams to Dudley?

Posted on Saturday 24 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

West Midlands Metro services to Dudley (Flood Street) could be running by the end of August, if an update at a Dudley Council committee meeting is to be believed. During the meeting, Cllr Patrick Harley (Leader of the Council) have the date of “28th August” as when the service would start running, although there has been no official word from Transport for West Midlands that this will be the case.

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Around the World in Trams: Oporto 216

Posted on Saturday 24 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

We’re back to Europe for this latest “Around the World in Trams” as anything goes January continues!

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What’s New on British Trams Online? 24th January 2026

Posted on Saturday 24 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

We return to Crich’s Tram Weekend in September 2025 for an alternative selection of photos in this week’s main site update:

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More hopes for South Yorkshire tram-train expansion

Posted on Saturday 24 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

Hidden amongst the details of the Northern Powerhouse rail announcement (the headline of which is the plan for a new Manchester to Liverpool railway line) were some positive signs for trams across the north of England as well. Although, as always seems to be the case nothing is funded or indeed fully planned.

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Another special offer on NET tram travel

Posted on Saturday 24 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

Nottingham Express Transit have launched another special offer on one of their season tickets with the six-month Student Season Ticket having been reduced by £85 to make tram travel even more affordable.

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In Pictures: BRIT Awards return with a new advert

Posted on Friday 23 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

You may feel like you’re getting a sense of déjà vu as didn’t we already report on an advert for the BRIT Awards which was then soon removed? Well, yes we did but that was in conjunction with a competition to win tickets whereas a new advert on Manchester Metrolink 3076 is more to promote the ceremony which takes place in Manchester in February.

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Picture in Time: Blackpool OMO 11

Posted on Friday 23 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

Another trip into the archives as part of “Picture in Time” as we continue our latest look at trams in Blackpool over the years.

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Saltburn Cliff Tramways says goodbye to carriages – new ones to come

Posted on Thursday 22 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

Thursday 15th January 2026 saw the Saltburn Cliff Tramway say goodbye to the two carriages which have operated the service for the past 15 years, ahead of their replacements arriving after a major upgrade of the line.

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West Midlands Metro raise over £5,000 for Black Country Women’s Aid

Posted on Thursday 22 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

Black Country Women’s Aid, the West Midlands Metro charity of the year for 2025, have been presented with £5210.18 following a year of fundraising by staff at the tram operator.

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In Pictures: Maintenance underway on Beamish Tramway

Posted on Wednesday 21 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

As was revealed on the Beamish Transport and Industry Blog in their first update of 2026, a significant investment is again going into the tramway infrastructure at the museum over the quieter winter period (the museum is only open Friday-Sunday up until the February school half-term holidays). This includes some work alongside the bus garage and that has led to a temporary change in the tram service with the complete circuit not running as trams instead run on a horseshoe. Trevor Hall with these photos.

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Consultation starts for change in West Midlands Metro byelaws

Posted on Wednesday 21 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

A proposed change in the West Midlands Metro byelaws has been put forward by the West Midlands Combined Authority, with a consultation period now open for anyone to make comments on the amendments.

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In Pictures: Its fleet livery again for Metrolink 3081

Posted on Tuesday 20 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

As is often the case, its been a slow start to the year for new advertising liveries on Manchester Metrolink with more contracts coming to an end than being signed. The latest contract to come to an end is that on 3081 for the Arndale Centre with the tram now running back in standard livery once more.

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Youngest ever Metro driver retires after 46 years

Posted on Tuesday 20 January 2026 by Gareth Prior

The youngest ever driver on the Tyne and Wear Metro has retired from the operator after 46 years of service. Phil Taylor, 65 from Bank Foot in Newcastle, was just 19 when he started his career on the network – and he remains the youngest to have been a driver to this day.

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