Representatives from UKTram have been busy throughout September as they have been spreading the word of the importance of light rail with visits to events in Poland, Berlin, Belfast and Coventry.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Operations Manager, Steve Duckering, and Knowledge Manager, Dan Hill, attended the UITP Light Rail Division meeting in Poznan, Poland where light rail challenges, best practice and knowledge were discussed.<\/p>\n
Discussions covered the socioeconomic impact of light rail, operational approaches, fleet midlife upgrades and decommissioning and the sector\u2019s future direction. There was also a technical visit hosted by MPK Poznan which showcased the city\u2019s light rail operations first-hand. This saw a visit to Franowo tram depot and a visit to a new tram line construction site.<\/p>\n
Steve commented: \u201cHearing from people in Europe, North America and South America showed that cities around the world often face similar challenges. Sharing those experiences gives us useful insight that we can take back and share through out work with the UK light rail sector.\u201d<\/p>\n
InnoTrans, one of the world\u2019s largest technology events, took place in Berlin with Dan Hill joined by Phill Terry, UKTram Lead Engineer. They both connected with colleagues from across the international transport industry to explore emerging technology and gather ideas and insights to share through UK Tram\u2019s membership and Functional Groups.<\/p>\n
In Belfast, the latest Mass Transit Taskforce roundtable took place with UKTram Managing Director, James Hammett, one of 32 expert advisers appointed to support the work.<\/p>\n
James commented: \u201cAnother really engaging session, with some more open and collaborative discussions. I\u2019m looking forward to continuing to contribute as the programme progresses and making sure the experience and knowledge held across UKTram\u2019s members and Functional Groups is part of those conversations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Back in Coventry and it was the inaugural Time for Trams. This focused on how the UK can deliver new tram and mass transit systems faster and more affordably, attracting representatives from local authorities and organisations involved in planning and delivering future schemes.<\/p>\n
Steve Edwards, UKTram Chair, joined a panel to discuss how trams can support communities, people and growth with UKTram board members, Sophie Allison and Nicola Small also taking part on the day. Sophie led a session on delivering more affordable systems with Nicola presenting on Coventry Very Light Rail with Colin Knight, Coventry City Council\u2019s Director for Innovation.<\/p>\n
Steve Edwards said: \u201cIt was great to be part of the first Time for Trams event and to see such a strong mix of presentations and debate throughout the day. What was especially encouraging was the number of authorities in the room and the appetite for conversations about how we can develop and deliver future mass transit schemes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Delegates at Time for Trams also had a site visit to the Coventry Very Light Rail test track and learn more about the approaches being developed to reduce the cost and disruption associated with new light rail infrastructure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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