In this week’s news from the light rail sector – More frequent tram services in Manchester, special ticket offers in Manchester, Edinburgh Trams resumes Newhaven services, and a winter timetable is introduced in Blackpool.

UKTram

With recent commitments to investment in regional transport infrastructure, 2024 promises to be a pivotal year for light rail believes the Managing Director of the sector’s representative organisation, UKTram.

In a New Year message to colleagues across the sector, James Hammett said it’s now more important than ever to press the case for tramways and similar transit systems.

He said we must ensure light rail remains a vital element of transport policy across the UK, and you can read the message in full here.

In other light rail news:

Manchester Metrolink 

More frequent and extended Metrolink services, as well as the continued running of late-night trams, are being introduced to meet increased demand.

The number of passengers travelling by tram across Greater Manchester is continuing to grow, with patronage on the Altrincham and Bury lines reaching the same levels as pre-pandemic.

A revamped timetable sees a new six-minute service between Etihad Campus and Manchester city centre from 7am until the end of service, and you can read more here.

NET

This January, Nottingham tram users will be able to get their hands on big savings which will allow them unlimited tram travel throughout the year, for less than the price of a cup of coffee each day.

Until January 31, 2024, Nottingham Express Transit (NET) has reduced its annual adult season ticket by £225, taking it from £675 to £450.

Those who purchase an annual season ticket will also be able to benefit from free parking across the city at NET’s seven Park and Ride sites, and more details can be found here.

Edinburgh Trams

Services between Ocean Terminal and Newhaven resumed in time for Christmas following the successful completion of overhead line works.

Engineers worked as quickly as possible to carry out repairs on this section of the line, as well as the necessary safety checks before services could resume, and you can read the full story here.

Blackpool Transport 

From this Sunday (January 7), tramway timetables will be updated alongside Blackpool Transport’s bus routes.

As the extended Illuminations and Christmas by the Sea draw to a close, the operator will be swapping to a winter timetable in line with reduced passenger numbers.

During the day, a 15-minute service between Starr Gate and Fleetwood Ferry, and further details can be found here.

Tyne & Wear Metro 

A packed programme of modernisation work, including track and overhead line renewal, is to be carried out on the Tyne and Wear Metro in the first three months of 2024.

These works will bring the investment in Metro infrastructure to £38m in the year to the end of March 2024 – getting the network ready for the new Metro train fleet entering service.

A range of projects are taking place, including the completion of the new Gosforth Metro depot, the installation of 2.1km of new tracks, two new track junctions, 1.4Km of new overhead line and lineside estate works.

Metro’s modernisation programme is funded by the Government and the full story can be found 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.