A vision for the future of trams and other metro systems in the UK is to be put under the spotlight in September as part of a high-profile Light Rail Summit in Edinburgh.

Organised jointly by the sector’s representative body, UKTram, and the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, the event will feature a day of top-level debate and presentations from leading sector figures on September 23, followed by an evening networking event.

The following day, delegates have the option of a tour of Edinburgh’s current Trams to Newhaven extension works.

Throughout the summit, professionals from across the sector will lead discussions on the challenges and opportunities faced by tramways and other metro systems as the country emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.

Jamie Swift, UKTram Marketing and Commercial Manager, explained: “As Covid restrictions are eased, we’re delighted to be able to announce details of the summit, and urge colleagues to ‘save the date’.

“What promises to be a landmark event also includes updates from across the sector, a roundup of the work of UKTram and the LRSSB and, most importantly, details of a vision for the future of light rail.”

Taking place at Edinburgh at Grosvenor Hotel, situated next to Haymarket tram stop and rail station, the event will be led by George Lowder, Chairman of UKTram and CEO of Transport for Edinburgh.

“More details of the vision – developed by UKTram and its members – together with the full summit programme, will be revealed over coming weeks,” Jamie added.

Tickets for the summit, which cost just £99 for members and £199 for non-members, will soon be available to purchase online from the UKTram website.