The benefits of using digital software applications to manage light rail assets and projects are to be put under the spotlight during an online event planned for later this month.

Backed by UKTram, the sector’s representative organisation, the webinar will see experts from software development specialist Bentley Systems highlight how the adoption of digital technologies can help to reduce capital costs.

James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, will also be among the guest speakers, offering an insight into the current challenges faced by light rail, while Patrick Gannon from South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive will talk about issues specific to ongoing projects at Sheffield Supertram.

Andy Willetts, Senior Account Manager at Bentley Systems, explained: “The capital cost of light rail can vary greatly, depending on a range of geographical and technological factors.

“The webinar will go through the relevant stages of light rail design while demonstrating how the adoption of digital technologies presents a clear opportunity to reduce costs and, in doing so, unlock enhancements to capacity, performance, and safety.”

The event on Wednesday, September 28, will also look at using a central data repository to better manage project and asset information, improving collaboration with key stakeholders and the supply chain, governance and compliance, and using technology to forecast and monitor trends.

James Hammett added: “We are delighted to support this important webinar, organised by a UKTram member, that will provide a fascinating insight into the benefits of taking a digital approach to project planning and asset management.

“It clearly supports our own ambitions to help overcome the barriers to the future expansion of light rail, a mode of transport that can help transform urban areas by driving inward investment, improving connectivity and reducing congestion and associated pollution.”

Further information about the webinar, including details on how to book a place, can be found here.