The organisation representing the UK’s light rail sector has welcomed further funding for essential transport services as the country emerges from the pandemic.

Tramways, metro systems and other similar transit systems are set to receive a share of a £150 million package of support for vital bus and light rail services announced by the government this week.

UKTram has worked closely with ministers and officials at the Department for Transport throughout the health crisis and has already helped to secure more than £250 million for the sector from the UK and Scottish governments. It believes the latest tranche of funding will provide valuable stability as operators strive to rebuild patronage.

James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, explained: “While customers are returning, it may be some time before numbers reach pre-pandemic levels, and this latest announcement offers operators some additional security as operators adjust their services to meet post-Covid travel patterns.

“While the government says this will be the last package of emergency support, we will continue to work with national and devolved governments to strengthen the case for longer-term investment in a mode of transport that delivers clear environmental and economic benefits while improving connectivity in key urban areas.”

More details on the allocation of funded are expected in due course.