In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Successful launch of Edgbaston extension, tram named after community heroes in Nottingham, late night services in Edinburgh and Light Rail SSB welcomes ORR health and safety report.

West Midlands Metro

Trams are now operating every 12 to 15 minutes between the city centre and Edgbaston following the successful launch of a services on the Birmingham Westside Metro extension at the weekend.

Members of the West Midlands Metro team joined civic leaders, media representatives, tram enthusiasts and early morning customers for the first passenger services along the new section of line on Sunday, July 17.

The landmark occasion also saw the return of trams to all stops in the city centre, including Grand Central, and you can read the full story here.

NET

Two men who have made tremendous contributions to Nottingham have had trams named after them.

As reported here, football coach Bill Chambers, 79, and Pythian Club CEO Benjamin Rosser, 42, were the men honoured at an official unveiling ceremony.

Mr Chambers has spent over 50 years as a football coach, with many years in in St Ann’s, while Mr Rosser’s Pythian Club is a youth organisation giving young people opportunities in football, employability, drama, music and more. Both are the latest winners of the NET Community Heroes award.

Edinburgh Trams

The city’s award-winning tram network is planning to help visitors and local residents to make the most of a packed programme of arts events in the city this summer by running late-night trams at weekends.

In addition to trams from every seven minutes throughout the day, a 20-minute service will continue until 1.30am on Friday and Saturday nights during the city’s eagerly awaited festival season.

In previous years, thousands of people have taken advantage of the operator’s late-night services and they’ve certainly proved a hit with festival goers, and you can read the full story here.

Tyne & Wear Metro 

Artwork celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Tyne and Wear Metro has gone on display at three South Tyneside stations.

The artwork was produced through a project delivered by The Cultural Spring, working with County Durham artist Laura Brenchley and a mix of local community groups.

The project was a partnership with Metro’s operator, Nexus, and was funded by Arts Council England, as part of the Metro Community Takeover project marking the network’s 40th anniversary. The full story can be found here.

Luas

Luas and its Operator Transdev are proud to team up with the Samuel Beckett Community Facility, supporting a family fun day taking place this Saturday (July 23).

The event, just a short walk from the Ballyogan Wood Luas sop, will take place following a two-week free summer programme held for local residents.

The day will kick off with the mini world cup finals and include a wide range of activities, including archery, a mobile petting zoo, face painting, BBQ and refreshments, and a DJ. Further details can be found here.

Heritage 

The Natural Seaton Festival is taking place this weekend (July 23 and 24) and has the theme of ‘The Sea’.

The community event includes lots of free activities throughout the town and Seaton Tramway is helping to support and promote the popular event, and you can read more on their website here.

Light Rail SSB

A new report that aims to ensure the rail industry remains focused on the basics of health and safety management has been welcomed by the organisation responsible for further driving up standards on UK tramways.

Published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the report highlights the standing of Britain’s railways as among the safest in Europe and, in relation to light rail, it recognises the vital work being done within the sector to both manage risks and improve incident reporting.

Led by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, this has included the continued development of a Tram Incident and Accident Reporting (TAIR) system and a sector-wide risk model that continues to mature. For the full story, click here.

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.