In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Dog trials on West Midlands Metro, engineering works in Nottingham and Dublin, and a campaign targets anti-social behaviour on Tyne and Wear Metro.

UKTram

A demonstration of the latest obstacle detection and avoidance technology has been staged for light rail professionals during a recent visit to Blackpool’s Starr Gate Depot.

Members of the UKTram Operations Group were given an insight into Alstom’s Collision and Overspeed Monitoring and Prevention Assistance System (COMPAS), as highlighted in a video that can be viewed here.

During their most recent meeting, hosted by Blackpool Transport Services Ltd, members of the group also benefitted from a presentation by CIRAS on the benefits of confidential reporting for employees, and the full story can be found here.

In other light rail news:

West Midlands Metro

Well-behaved pet dogs are set to be allowed on board trams in the West Midlands for the first time as part of a trial this summer.

Until now, only assistance dogs were permitted by the Metro’s ‘Conditions of Carriage’ although this has recently changed to include pets in secure carriers after feedback from customers.

As part of the pilot scheme, only one dog on a lead will be allowed on the tram per fare-paying customer, and owners will be liable for their behaviour, and you can read more here.

NET

Summer engineering works will see major upgrades to Nottingham’s tram network, and plans are being put into place to help keep customers moving while tracks and points are being replaced around The Forest stop.

From Friday, August 18, until Thursday, August 31 (inclusive), trams will be unable to operate between Wilkinson Street and Old Market Square as part of planned infrastructure renewals that are vital for the safety and reliability of future tram services.

This is the first time tracks on this section of the line have been replaced since it opened in 2004, and during the works a dedicated shuttle bus will be in operation between the two stops until full tram services resume on Friday, September 1. For more information, click here.

Edinburgh Trams  

Rugby fans heading for a pre-tournament match in Edinburgh this weekend are being urged to make the most of a great deal on tram travel to and from the stadium.

Ahead of the Rugby World Cup later this year, Scotland will face France at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday, August 5, and those heading for the stadium are being offered ‘City Rugby’ return tickets priced at just £3.80 for adults and £1.90 for under-15s.

Valid for all stops between Newhaven and Ingliston Park & Ride, the tickets can already be bought from edinburghticket.com, and you can read more here.

Tyne & Wear Metro

 

A campaign targeting anti-social behaviour on Tyne and Wear Metro has been launched, promoting the roll out of a new system for customers to report issues more quickly by sending a discreet text message.

The campaign – ­titled not big, not clever, not here – is a response to feedback from customers who want to see more done to improve security on the network.

It will be highly visible on Metro stations and on trains, making clear anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. It builds on the investment we have already made in policing, extra security teams, and improved CCTV and the full story can be found here.

LUAS

There will be no Green Line trams running between St. Stephen’s Green and Beechwood Luas Stops this weekend and the Bank Holiday on Monday, August 7.

During this temporary partial closure, trams will run between Broombridge / Parnell and St. Stephen’s Green and between Beechwood and Sandyford / Brides Glen only due to essential engineering works taking place on the Green Line over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Valid Luas tickets will be accepted by Dublin Bus on routes close to the closed stops for the duration of the works and further details can be found here.

Heritage  

A new information panel has been installed in Edinburgh following the unveiling earlier this year of two re-discovered former Cable Tramway pulley wheels by the City of Edinburgh Council.

British Trams Online reports that when the wheels were put in place at the junction between Iona Street and Leith Walk, within view of the modern-day tramway, there was no context. Now, as promised, the council has added the panel that explains what they are and the so called ‘Pilrig Muddle’.

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.