In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Services resume in the West Midlands, a new tram wrap in Edinburgh, Jubilee tree planting at Cullercoats Metro station and a full service on Brighton seafront .
Light Rail engineers have welcomed the new chairman of an influential working group.
Ian Hale, Infrastructure Manager at London Trams was elected at the latest meeting of the UKTram Light Rail Engineering Group (LREG), replaced outgoing chair Ian Middlemiss of Transport for Greater Manchester.
With a wealth of experience as a chartered engineer, consultant and rail project manager, Ian said he felt honoured to accept the role and paid tribute to the group’s achievements while led by his predecessor.
More than 20 engineers from across the sector attended the recent meeting, either in person or on Teams, for wider discussions on a range of topics and you can read the full story here.
In other light rail news:
Events
The 16th Annual UK Light Rail Conference and exhibition, organised by light and urban rail specialists Mainspring, has attracted record interest for its event at Hilton Newcastle-Gateshead on 12-13 July.
The largest event of its kind dedicated solely to tramway, LRT and rapid transit development, this year’s packed two-day agenda includes over 50 speakers and panellists addressing the sector’s hot topics through open and honest debate in interactive presentation and round table sessions.
Supported once again by Transport North East, Nexus and leading industry publication Tramways & Urban Transit, the UK Light Rail Conference is accompanied by an exhibition of the sector’s leading manufacturers, consultants, suppliers and service providers showcasing the latest innovations and product launches. A full list of speakers and details of the event and its can be found here.
West Midlands Metro
Following the successful testing of the first trams to undergo body panel replacements, tram services resumed between Wolverhampton St George’s and Birmingham Bull Street yesterday (Thursday, June 9).
The number of repaired trams, along with the new trams which have successfully completed their testing and commissioning, means that the operator is able to deliver a consistent service. Initially, trams are running every 12 to 15 minutes throughout the day.
As more trams become available, it will review the service that it is able to provide and you can read more here.
Edinburgh Trams
A specially wrapped tram design has been unveiled as part of a partnership between Edinburgh Bus Tours and Edinburgh Trams.
Featured on the design is information on each of Edinburgh Bus Tours’ five attractions, including the Edinburgh Tour, City Sightseeing, Majestic and Three Bridges open-top tours.
The tour operator’s character Cobbles, and his new tour which was introduced in April, are also prominent on the tram’s design and the full story can be found here.
Tyne & Wear Metro
A tree planting ceremony has taken place on the Tyne and Wear Metro to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Metro operator, Nexus, joined up with community volunteers to plant the beautiful plum tree at Cullercoats Metro station in North Tyneside, commemorating the Queen’s 70-year reign.
The tree was planted on land next to the Metro station, which volunteers from the local non-profit group the Cullercoats Collective are going to transform into a vibrant community garden.
As reported here, the ceremony was performed by the volunteers, staff from Nexus, and the High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear, Mr David Bavaird.
Luas
There will be no Red Line trams running between Red Cow and Tallaght / Saggart this weekend and on Saturday and Sunday services will run between Red Cow and Connolly / The Point only.
Replacement buses will serve the closed Luas stops with some restrictions and a valid Luas ticket is required to use the service.
Customers are being urged to allow extra time for travel and further details can be found here.
Heritage
The full Volk’s Electric Railway on Brighton seafront is running all the way from Aquarium to Black Rock once more following the completion of the work on the foreshore which has seen a shortened route running so far in 2022.
Redevelopment works on Brighton Seafront over the winter was delayed by poor weather, despite the best efforts of contractors, which meant that it wasn’t possible for a full service to resume at the very start of the season.
British Trams online reports here that the works have included the installation of a new crossings.
To be included in the next round-up, or the Members News section of the UKTram website, send your press releases to info@uktram.org.