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Light rail news roundup Tuesday July 21, 2020

The light rail sector has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement last week of changes to government advice on travelling by public transport.

UKTram also believes that the sector is now well placed to support any Government messages on safe travel, and fully prepared to manage an increase in customer numbers.

Over the past few months members have introduced wide-ranging measures to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus and now is the right time for fresh guidance allowing anyone to travel on public transport.

Although the latest advice will undoubtedly see more people travelling by light rail, the sector does not expect a return to ‘normal’ for some time to come and UKTram will continue to press for ongoing support from the government, and you can read the full story here.

In other light rail news:

Edinburgh Trams

From this week, Edinburgh Trams has adjusted its rules on social distancing for anyone using its services.

As the country enters Phase 3, the latest guidance issued by the Scottish Government allows transport operators to reduce social distancing providing risk assessments are reviewed to ensure sufficient mitigation is in place.

The organisation has listened to customer feedback and worked with colleagues and the Trade Union and agreed the operator of Edinburgh’s tramway is able to move safely to one-metre social distancing. Read more here.

Blackpool Transport

Blackpool’s Trams are now back on the tracks with some alterations to help social distancing.

Trams will run up to every 20 minutes, with the last tram being at around 7.30pm. However, Service One will continue running until 10.15pm for any customers making a later journey.

To help customers comply with the rules on wearing a face covering, passengers can buy a mask from the conductor on the tram for one pound, the local media reports.

Sheffield Supertram

From this weekend (Saturday, July 25) the network is set to increase service frequency on its Blue and Yellow routes.

Due to rail replacement work taking place, revised services and timetables have also been in operation on some routes and full details can be found here.

Luas Dublin

Trackworks will also see revised services on the Dublin system, with partial closures this weekend (July 25 – 26).

There will be no Red Line trams running between Blackhorse and Heuston stops, with services running between Tallaght / Saggart and Blackhorse, and between Heuston and The Point, only.

Trams will not run to Connolly Luas stop for the duration of the works so customers will need to use Busáras Luas stop, a 3 min. walk away, to access Connolly Train Station.

You can read the full story here.

Tyne & Wear Metro

Nexus, the public body who owns and manages Metro, has handed over donations to a local food bank following a collection at South Shields Transport Interchange.

All the items donated to the South Shields based Hospitality and Hope food bank will help people who are struggling during the Covid-19 crisis.

You can read how the collection tub overflowed with items including long-life milk, tinned fish, pasta, rice, along with other canned food items and some toiletries here.

To be included in the next roundup, or the Member’s News section of the website, send your press releases to jamieswift@uktram.co.uk.