In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Dogs remain welcome on West Midlands Metro, shorter trains on some DLR services, overhead line renewal work on Tyne & Wear Metro, and Luis reminds customers of special numbers to report anti-social behaviour. 

West Midlands Metro  

Well-behaved dogs will continue to be welcomed on trams in the West Midlands following a change in the rules that’s been welcomed by Metro customers.

An initial three-month trial was launched in August last year and then extended for another three-months to enable West Midlands Metro to collect more feedback from both the travelling public and its employees.

Anthony Stanley, Metro’s Head of Operations and Safety, said that since pet dogs were first allowed on Metro trams, there have not been any reports of serious problems, and you can read more here.

Docklands Light Railway

Transport for London has confirmed it is running shorter trains on some Docklands Light Railway (DLR) services while trains are replaced, according to a local media report.

A total of 54 new DLR trains are being made by Spanish firm CAF and will be introduced over the next two years, with 33 of the older existing trains coming out of service, and you can read the full story here.

Tyne & Wear Metro

A busy section of Metro line between Benton and North Shields is to close for seven days next week to allow for a major programme of overhead line renewal work.

Power lines along a 5.6km stretch of the network are set to be replaced alongside a range of other lineside estate works.

It will also allow for important works to take place as part of the ongoing refurbishment schemes at Whitley Bay and Monkseaton Metro stations, and you can find more details here.

Luas

Luas is reminding customers that they can discreetly report incidents of anti-social behaviour by using its app, or dedicated WhatsApp and text numbers.

Personal safety is a priority for the network operator, and Luas Security Officers and other staff are working in conjunction with the Gardaí to keep them safe while travelling with us.

While most passengers respect others, sometimes the behaviour of a minority can be intimidating, and you can read more on this story 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.