You are logged in | Edit Details | logout

News

Light rail news roundup Tuesday August 11, 2020

UK Tram has welcomed a government announcement on further funding for light rail systems in England.

The latest support package, announced last weekend, amounts to around £3.1 million per week, for the next 12 weeks, and the organisation says the money will be vital as the sector enters a new phase of the coronavirus recovery.

Throughout the pandemic, UKTram has maintained a constant dialogue with the Department for Transport that’s set to continue as operators prepare for an increase in customer numbers and you can read the full story here.

In other news from across the light rail sector:

West Midlands Metro

A one year Safer Travel Plan – which includes a pledge to put four extra special constables on the public transport beat – has been announced in the West Midlands.

The Partnership, which includes West Midlands Police, British Transport Police, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and public transport operators is focussed on reducing crime and anti-social behaviour on the bus, train and tram networks across the region.

the Partnership has already helped reduce crime significantly on all modes of public transport, including the tram and you can read the full story here.

Metrolink

Essential maintenance work in Manchester is taking place this month resulting in some temporary disruption to city centre Metrolink services.

Market Street and Shudehill stops are currently closed and trams will not be running between Victoria and Piccadilly Gardens until August 16. Services between St Peter’s Square and Piccadilly Gardens (towards Piccadilly) are unaffected.

The work is taking place on the corner of High Street and Market Street outside of Debenhams and access to businesses will be maintained at all times and you can read more here.

Blackpool Transport

More trams will operate in Blackpool from next Sunday (August 16), with services every 15 minutes between 08:00 and 19:00.

Services will begin at 05:30 with the last tram leaving Fleetwood Ferry at 23:00, with a 20-minute frequency in the early morning and later in the evenings.

The move will enable the tramway to increase capacity while helping customers maintain safe social distancing and the full story can be found here.

Heritage

Also in Blackpool, Heritage Tram Tours have announced the return of its popular Illuminations Tours for 2020.

The organisation is planning to have tours every evening of the lights which have been extended this year and will shine until January 3, 2021.

The tours will continue to provide a unique view of the lights, including the new NHS and Key Workers Tribute and Corona Heroes display on the Golden Mile.

See here for the full story.