Transport Minister Baroness Vere has been confirmed as the keynote speaker at a high-profile event in September that’s set to attract professionals from across the light rail sector.
The impressive Deansgate headquarters of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce has already been named as the venue for an eagerly anticipated Light Rail Summit, and a packed programme of presentations is now taking shape.
Organised by UKTram, the event on September 15 will put a range of ‘hot topics’ under the spotlight.
It will also provide an opportunity for top-level debate on key issues facing the sector and you can read more here.
In other light rail news:
Blackpool Transport
A spectacular programme of entertainment to mark the start of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations has been unveiled in Blackpool.
It includes a grand parade of heritage trams along the seafront, a giant outdoor picnic and free entertainment on the Comedy Carpet, a light and laser show, and a burst of fireworks at the top of The Blackpool Tower.
The event will take place on Thursday 2 June, the first of two bank holidays at the start of the four-day holiday weekend and you can read the full story here.
Edinburgh Trams
A large crowd is expected for next weekend’s clash between Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors at BT Murrayfield and fans are being encouraged to buy their tram tickets before they travel.
An ‘Adult Rugby Return’ for £3.40 and a ‘Child Rugby Return’ for £1.80 are available from the edinburghticket.com website. The tickets can be used from any tram stop, except Edinburgh Airport, and are downloaded onto a mobile device or printed out before travel.
For families heading to Murrayfield, the ‘Family Day Tripper’ ticket offers a day’s tram travel for up to two adults plus up to three under 16s at only £7.50 and more details can be found here.
Tyne & Wear Metro
A former Metro boss has spoken of his pride at expanding the network to Sunderland and has recounted the memorable day when the Queen visited Wearside to officially open the new line.
Mike Parker, who was the Director General of Nexus for 12 years from 1994 to 2006, oversaw the £100m extension of the network to Sunderland, which was opened by Her Majesty in May 2002.
Sunderland’s Metro line is this week marking its 20th anniversary, having carried 138 million customer journeys over the last two decades and you can read the full story here.
Luas
The National Transport Authority has announced reduced fares for Luas and other Irish public transport services.
The new pricing came into effect on Monday, May 9, and you can read the full announcement from Transport for Ireland by clicking here.
The cost of Luas Tickets and TFI Leap Card fares on Luas will reduce by an average of 20% and further details can be found here.
Proposed new systems
Pictures have emerged that bring to life plans for a new tram network between Kent and Essex.
The local media has reported that the project, named KenEx aims to provide ‘a sustainable public transport infrastructure’ between the two counties.
The proposals include a 1.2km submerged tunnel built under the Thames, enabling the connection between the north of Kent and south of Essex and you can read the full story at KentLive here.
LRSSB
A new report has highlighted the successful delivery of a wide range of projects over the past 12 months that aim to further enhancing light rail safety.
From the publication of updated guidance documents to the development of a comprehensive risk management model, the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board has met all its key objectives for 2021/2022 – despite the impact of Covid-19 restrictions.
In its latest annual report, the organisation’s Chief Executive, Carl Williams, also sets out the steps taken to implement recommendations made by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch following its investigation into the Sandilands accident.
At the same time, the LRSSB have carried out an extensive review of existing Tramway Principles and Guidance document, the cornerstone of light rail safety, and you can read more about the report here.