Sports fans may be struggling to watch their favourite teams and superstars due to coronavirus restrictions, but UKTram is helping to promote a fun competition between light rail systems.

Kicking off next week, the first round of the World Cup of Trams will see the public voting via Twitter for their favourite tram stop for sport, leisure or shopping.

The poll opens at 8am on Tuesday, March 2, and closes at 8pm on Thursday, March 4, ahead of further rounds of the competition.

Jamie Swift, Marketing and Communications Manager at UKTram, explained: “During the Covid-19 lockdowns, operators have found it increasingly difficult to generate positive digital media content, and we wanted to find a fun way to help keep the benefits of light rail in the public eye.

“So far we’ve seen fantastic support for the competition, with operators, tram enthusiasts and members of the public nominating their favourite stops for the first round of voting on Twitter.

“We’ve also received plenty of nominations for the second, third and fourth rounds, which are set to take place later in the month, and aim to find the most eye-catching tram livery, most scenic stop and best tram vehicle.”

The winners in each round will go through to semi-finals between March 16 and 18, with final votes to be cast between March 19 – 21, and it’s easy to vote and keep up with the polls on Twitter, @worldcupoftrams.

“The past year has been difficult for everyone, but the World Cup of Trams offers the chance for a little light relief with some friendly rivalry between networks, and it will be interesting to see how light rail compares with other modes of transport running similar contests,” Jamie said.

“The competition also offers a great way to keep light rail in the thoughts of customers ahead of their return as travel restrictions are eased,” he added.