In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Transport for Greater Manchester aims to tackle gender-based violence on public transport, West Midlands Metro launches retro-competition, and Edinburgh Trams helps bring IT to schools in developing countries.

Manchester Metrolink

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has achieved White Ribbon status for the first time as part of ongoing efforts to tackle gender-based violence on public transport.

White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity which encourages men and boys to bring an end to violence against women and girls.

By becoming a White Ribbon accredited organisation, TfGM is committed to ending gender-based violence and supporting Greater Manchester’s gender-based violence strategy. For the full story, click here.

West Midlands Metro

Customers are being offering the chance to win a host of prizes by playing a ‘retro’ computer game as part of a World Cup promotion.

Christmas shopping vouchers, free travel passes, restaurant vouchers and Metro merchandise are all up for grabs for those posting high scores on the classic Snake game.

For the full story, and details on how to take part, click here.

Edinburgh Trams

The operator of Edinburgh’s acclaimed tram network is joining forces with international tech campaigners to help students in the developing world to learn life-changing digital skills.

Edinburgh Trams is backing an initiative by the Turing Trust that aims to promote e-waste recycling across the UK, while also offering technology options for schools and training facilities in Africa.

With the support of its IT supplier Siemens, the operator is set to donate high-performance equipment, including standalone devices and other essential IT equipment, and you can read the full story here.

Tyne & Wear Metro

Stadler has started moving its workforce into the new Gosforth Metro depot as the £70m facility nears completion.

The depot, which will be home to the new Tyne and Wear Metro train fleet, is almost ready to become operational, with the finishing touches being put to the building.

As reported here, Stadler has begun the process of moving its staff into the depot’s new office spaces, with the train engineering and maintenance teams set to transfer there in the New Year.

Extension Projects 

Urban realm improvements which will help transform Digbeth as part of the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension have been completed and new carriageway opened as the project progresses to the next stage of construction.

New paving has now been installed along the length of the northern side of Digbeth High Street allowing activity to switch to the opposite side of the busy thoroughfare ahead of track laying commencing later next year.

This significant step forward in the project means that all traffic travelling in and out of the city will now use the new carriageway laid as part of the overall scheme and you can read more here.

LRSSB

The organisation responsible for driving light rail safety has published two new guidance documents.

Now available to download from the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board online reference library here, they cover the design of depot control centres and testing and commissioning.

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.