In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Bike trials on Manchester Metrolink, LRSSB appoints high-profile Chair, completion of new Tyne & Wear depot and doubts over trams in Douglas.

Manchester Metrolink 

Proposals to launch a trial to allow bikes on trams will be considered by transport leaders next week.

Metrolink currently allows folded bikes in bags on trams, but under current rules, standard bikes are not permitted.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has now confirmed proposals to undertake a guided pilot to test the safe carriage of bikes and non-standard cycles on off-peak tram services, and you can read the full story here.

West Midlands Metro 

Due to West Bromwich Albion playing Wolverhampton Wanderers at The Hawthorns on Sunday, WMM is urging customers to plan ahead.

As there will be a higher than usual number of people travelling to and from the ground between 10:00 and 15:30 on Sunday, the operator is urging those who can to travel at different times. Extra trams will be in operation but may not call at all stops, and further information can be found here.

Tyne & Wear Metro 

A £70m project to build a state-of-the-art new depot for the Tyne and Wear Metro has been successfully completed.

Stadler has finished the new Gosforth Metro Depot, near Newcastle, which will provide a modern home for the new Metro train fleet.

Boasting enviable green credentials and a range of innovative features, the new facility has been designed to a high specification to ensure maximum availability and reliability of the Metro train fleet for decades to come. For the full story, click here.

Heritage  

There are doubts about horse trams running in 2024 in Douglas, British Trams Online reports here.

It says Infrastructure Minister, Tim Crookall MHK, was unable to offer guarantees over the future of the historic Tramway Terrace, the condition of which has been a concern for some time.

LRSSB

A leading figure in the transport industry has been appointed Chair of the organisation responsible for driving up tramway safety standards.

George Lowder MBE, Chief Executive of Transport for Edinburgh (TfE), has been selected for the role at the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board as it continues to deliver a series of ambitious projects aimed at further reducing the risk of harm or injury on UK networks.

Already a well-known and highly respected leader within the light rail sector, George brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the non-executive position, 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.