In this week’s news from the light rail sector – A new look for West Midland Metro’s website, free travel for children attending holiday clubs in Nottingham and the successful completion of modernisation works in Tyne & Wear.

Time is running out to book a place at an eagerly anticipated event organised by UKTram in Manchester on September 15.

Bringing together professionals from across the sector, the Light Rail Summit will include top level debate on the challenges and opportunities faced by the sector.

Just a handful of tickets remain for the free event that will also include a presentation by Transport Minister Baroness Vere and talks by leading figures from across light rail.

For further details, and to book one of the final places available, email lorrainegeorge@uktram.co.uk.

In other light rail news:

West Midlands Metro

The West Midlands Metro website now has a new look which offers customers easier access to the latest information on tram services and ticketing information.

Launched earlier in the month, the eye-catching and user-friendly upgrades have been designed to improve the customer experience by making it easier to navigate a range of useful features.

These include regular service updates, tram times and updated route maps following the successful launch of services to Edgbaston Village and you can read more here.

NET

Nottingham’s tram network is to provide free tram travel for 360 children who are accessing the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in the city this summer.

Nottingham City Council has secured Government funding to provide summer holiday clubs for pupils who are eligible for free school meals. Delivered by Nottingham Forest Community Trust, community groups, charities and schools, the clubs will see children receive a free lunch, alongside a programme of educational activities focused on healthy eating, fitness and mental health.

However, the club providers have identified that some children could miss out without financial support to travel to the clubs and, as reported here, Tramlink has stepped in to show its support.

Edinburgh Trams

Fans heading for city centre concerts by some of the biggest names in rock and pop can be sure of swift and convenient travel thanks to Edinburgh’s award-winning trams.

Tom Jones and Simple Minds are amongst the headline acts at Princes Street Gardens over the next couple of weeks and thousands of people will be heading for the eagerly awaited gigs.

With the nearest stop just a short walk from the venue, fans can avoid the hassle and expense of finding a parking spot, and with a seven-minute service in operation throughout the day getting to the concerts couldn’t be easier. For the full story, click here.

Manchester Metrolink

From this Saturday (August 13), until the end of Friday 19 August, there will be closures on section of the Bury line.

Between Saturday and Tuesday, no services will operate between Bury and Whitefield and from Wednesday to Friday, the line between Bury and Queens Road will be closed.

During this time various engineering works will be taking place and further details can be found here.

Tyne & Wear Metro 

Metro services have resumed between St James and Tynemouth following a two-week major line closure.

Nexus, the public body which owns and manages Metro, said it was grateful to customers for their patience during the closure, and that all of the modernisation works had been completed as planned. 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.