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Light Rail news roundup 5th May 2023 Friday May 5, 2023

In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Edinburgh Trams is shortlisted for prestigious awards, NET operator welcomes prison sentence following assault, a tram wrap hits all the right notes in the West Midlands and engineering works Sheffield.

West Midlands Metro

An eye-catching tram looks set to hit all the right notes as West Midlands Metro celebrates a new partnership with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).

Serving many of the venues hosting performances by the 90-strong orchestra and its associated choirs and youth ensembles, the Metro has become the CBSO’s Official Travel Partner and will support it through a wide range of promotional activities.

The colourful tram ‘wrap’ unveiled this week is set to become a familiar sight on the line between Wolverhampton and Edgbaston as the orchestra embarks on a packed programme of concerts and events. Read the full story here.

NET  

A prison sentence handed down to an abusive man who assaulted a Nottingham Express Transit (NET) travel officer has been welcomed by the city’s tram operator and officers who investigated the unprovoked attack.

Salmou Njie appeared before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on recently and was found guilty of assault by beating and pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis.

Chris Wright, Managing Director of Nottingham Trams Limited, said the 26-week custodial sentence received by the 30-year-old should act as a warning and deterrent to others and the full story can be found here.

Edinburgh Trams

The operator of Edinburgh’s growing tram network is on track for a coveted award at an event celebrating excellence in the Scottish transport sector.

Following a series of accolades over the past year, Edinburgh Trams is now amongst the frontrunners for the prestigious title of Operator of the Year at the Scottish Transport Awards, where it has also been shortlisted in three other categories.

A state-of-the-art tram simulator, impressed judges in the Technology and Innovation category, while its value-for-money ‘Day Tripper’ deal and a ticket app have earned a place amongst the finalists for the Excellence in Travel Information and Marketing Award. For more on the story, click here.

Sheffield Supertram  

Work is set to start on replacing worn rails on the outbound track on Ridgeway Road between the junction with Hurlfield Road and Elm Tree House.

Tram services on the Blue route will terminate at Sheffield Station during the rail replacement works on Sunday 21 May and purple route services will not operate on this date.

Tram tickets will be accepted on local bus services in the affected areas and further information can be found here.

Docklands Light Railway

DLR at Canary Wharf // Credit: TfL

From Monday, 15th May, services across the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) will be improved when a new timetable is introduced.

The new timetable will mean more frequent services on all routes, especially at peak times, reduce waiting times and provide better connections with the Elizabeth line at Canary Wharf, Custom House, and Stratford.

The peak time will be extended by half an hour on all routes in both the morning and evening peaks and further details are available here.

Heritage

The annual FEDECRAIL Conference brought together heritage railways and tramways from across Europe this April. Attendees from various countries, including Jenny Nunn, Chief Executive and Josh Castree, Marketing Manager from Seaton Tramway, gathered to discuss a range of topics including coal sources, insurance, and the future of heritage rail.

The conference, which was held in person for the first time since 2019, provided an opportunity for railway representatives to network and share ideas with fellow railway organisations from across the continent.

Discussions were held on topics such as the use of renewable energy sources, and ways to attract more visitors to heritage rail sites 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.