In this week’s news from the light rail sector – West Midland Metro employees raise cash for charity, a member of the Edinburgh Trams team in line for award and recognition for Seaton’s commitment to providing unforgettable visitor experiences. 

UKTram

Light rail leaders have agreed to work together on ways to improve reliability and reduce costs by targeting disruption that’s due to factors beyond the control of operators.

Members of the UKTram Executive Group have agreed to share best practice on measures they’re taking to cut down on delays caused by other road users.

The actions of third parties can have a significant impact on service delivery and you can read the full story here.

In other light rail news: 

West Midlands Metro

One of the region’s leading palliative and end of life care charities is set to receive a welcome boost thanks to the generosity of the West Midlands Metro team.

Over the past 12 months they’ve raised just over £1,000 for Wolverhampton-based Compton Care by taking part in a series of events organised in support of their adopted ‘Charity of the Year’.

The money was raised through numerous events including coffee mornings, raffles, a sponsored bike ride and a Christmas jumper day and the full story can be found here.

Edinburgh Trams

A member of the Edinburgh Trams team is on track for a top award at a prestigious event celebrating business excellence in the city.

Nicola Mearns is amongst the front runners for the coveted Young Business Person of the Year title at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards next month, while the city’s acclaimed tram network is also aiming to scoop top honours in two other categories.

Having started work on the system as a Tram Driver in 2018, Nicola is now playing a key role in promoting the network as it prepares for the launch of Trams to Newhaven in spring this year. For the full story, click here.

Blackpool Transport  

From 13th February for 2 weeks, there will be maintenance work on the tram tracks between the Cabin and Tower.

Work will commence every weeknight evening after 8:30pm, therefore, all trams after this time will be replaced by buses. Weekend Trams won’t be affected and more details can be found here.

Tyne & Wear Metro 

A TV weatherman from the Cayman Islands has given it all up for a job on the Tyne and Wear Metro.

Joe Avary, whose smooth American accent is proving popular with customers, has taken an unlikely route to North East England – but insists he has no regrets leaving it all behind to become a Metro Customer Service Advisor.

His previous job saw him presenting weather forecasts and compiling news reports for the Cayman Islands’ only local TV station and you can read the unusual story here.

Heritage

Seaton Tramway has scooped two prestigious awards at the Devon Tourism Awards.

The tramway was recognised in the Large Attraction of the Year and Accessible & Inclusive Tourism categories in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the tourism industry in Devon, and its commitment to providing an unforgettable experience to its visitors.

You can read more about its awards success here. 

LRSSB

A series of workshops organised by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board is helping tramway operators to review their own risk models.

As well as enabling organisations to better manage their individual health and safety processes, the resulting models will help the LRSSB to produce a comprehensive, sector-wide risk profile.

To ensure colleagues are able to make the most of a vital risk management tool, the LRSSB is visiting all UK operators to assist them in updating their existing models 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.