In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Edinburgh Trams set to score with special rugby tickets, Lioness recognised with tram naming in Nottingham, night trams on Luas, and fare changes on West Midlands Metro.

UKTram

The UK’s preserved tramways have enjoyed a busy year as the custodians of the country’s rich light rail heritage continue their post-pandemic recovery.

The heritage sector was particularly hard-hit by Covid-19 restrictions, but the continued popularity of ‘staycation’ holidays has seen healthy visitor numbers for some of the nation’s top tourist attractions.

During recent meetings of the UKTram Heritage Committee, members heard that the return of popular themed events had also provided a boost for many operators, and you can read the full story here.

In other light rail news:

West Midlands Metro

A review of ticket prices on West Midland Metro will see ticket prices changing for the first time since June 2022.

Fares were frozen in 2023 to help Metro customers during the cost-of-living crisis, and the network remains committed to offering affordable travel to the thousands of people who rely on it every day.

From January 2, 2024, fares are set to rise by an average of around five percent, well below the rate of inflation, and our range of value-for-money ticket options will remain in place to help tram users enjoy savings on their regular trips. More details can be found here.

NET

Nottingham Lioness Mary Earps has become the latest star to receive the highly coveted accolade of a NET tram named in her honour.

Widely considered to be a token of the highest praise from the city, the renaming follows Mary’s incredible success at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Lionesses’ historic UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 win.

The new Mary Earps tram was unveiled by Mary Earps herself during a special ceremony held at the NET depot close to the Wilkinson Street tram stop, and the full story can be found here.

Edinburgh Trams

The world’s oldest intercity derby is set to return to the city this month, and Edinburgh Trams offers an easy way to travel to and from Scotland’s most iconic sports venue.

As Edinburgh looks forward to hosting the eagerly-anticipated 1872 Cup clash between Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors on Saturday, December 30, the city’s tram network has announced the return of its popular ‘Rugby Return Tickets’, as reported here.

Luas

To help customers make the most of the Christmas season, Night Luas trams will run on both the Red and Green Lines until the early hours of the morning on selected nights over Christmas and the New Year.

Information on Luas services over Christmas and the New Year, including Night Luas services, can be found here.

Tyne & Wear Metro

The £5.3m project to restore the historic canopy at Whitley Bay Metro station is entering a key phase, with specialist grit blasting on the metalwork.

The Grade II listed structure, which dates back to the Edwardian era, is undergoing major restoration work which will see the glazing replaced and the roof metalwork fully restored to its former glory.

A vast scaffolding structure has been erected across the expanse of the station’s canopy so that the contractors can work safely above the two platforms and Metro lines, 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.