In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Luas launches safety campaign, funding settlement for Transport for London and the first new trams for Tyne & Wear Metro leave the factory.

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.

To read more, and to find out how to book a place, click here.

In other light rail news:

Docklands Light Railway

Transport for London has announced that it has reached agreement with the Government on a new funding settlement.

From now until March 2024 it expects to receive further base funding of around £1.2bn, which gives TfL ongoing revenue support should passenger numbers not recover at the rate budgeted for.

It also enables TfL to commit £3.6bn to capital investment over the period, including for new trains for Docklands Light Railway, and the full story can be found here.

Luas

With darker evenings approaching, the operator of Dublin’s tram network is reminding all pedestrians who walk near Luas to be extra vigilant and to always obey road signs and traffic lights when crossing its tracks.

A new campaign appeals to everyone who walks near Luas to always be mindful of their surroundings and you can read more here.

Tyne & Wear Metro

The first new Tyne and Wear Metro trains have been completed by Stadler and are about to enter a crucial period of testing.

Nexus, the public body which owns and operates Metro, said that first two new trains were now ready to roll off the production line in Switzerland and will now go through a rigorous process of what is known as dynamic and static testing.

The trains will then be sent to a larger test track in the Czech Republic to be put through their paces, and you can read more 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.