In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Blackpool extension set for launch, additional trams in Sheffield, essential trackworks in Nottingham, Manchester Metrolink sets new record and a student speaks about her work placement at BCIMO.
Blackpool Transport
This Sunday (June 16) will see history being made with the launch of services into Blackpool’s North Station.
It’s been 88 years since trams ran in Talbot Road, and the new line represents a massive development for Blackpool, connecting visitors, commuters, and locals to the heart of the town the minute they step off the train.
A new timetable has also been created to maximise travel across the network, offering customers a convenient connection between trains and trams, and you can read the full story here.
South Yorkshire Supertram
As part of plans to improve the South Yorkshire Supertram network, the operator will be trialling additional services during peak times.
As reported here, the move is part of efforts to provide customers with an even better experience. Thanks to the additional services, at peak times, a second tram will follow just three minutes after a busy tram.
Manchester Metrolink
The UK’s largest light rail network has hit another milestone, enjoying its busiest month ever in its 32-year history.
Millions of people got on board in May, which proved to be a bumper month for events including the Great Manchester Run, Manchester City’s Premier League title-winning parade and high-profile concerts at the Co-Op Live.
During the month, 4.1 million people travelled on Metrolink across Greater Manchester, setting a new record for monthly patronage since the network opened in 1992. The previous record of 4 million was set in November 2019, and you can find out more here.
NET
Nottingham’s tram network will be carrying out necessary tram track improvements this July, with tram users urged to check affected routes before travelling and consider alternative routes.
There will be no trams running between The Forest and Old Market Square between Tuesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 14, with High School, Nottingham Trent University and Royal Centre stops all closed as the essential maintenance takes place.
Regular service will continue over the rest of the extensive NET tram network, and further details can be found here.
Edinburgh Trams
A record-breaking weekend has seen the Edinburgh Trams team pull out all the stops to ensure hundreds of thousands of ‘Swifties’ were able to make the most of three iconic shows in the city.
With extra trams laid on before Taylor Swift took to the stage, and additional late-night services when the concerts drew to a close, the network has posted its highest-ever number of customer journeys for a weekend.
Dozens of staff from across the network also volunteered to help fans enjoy a ‘swift’ and hassle-free journey to Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, and you can read the full story here.
Luas
New fares are set to come into effect across the TFI network of public transport services from June 23.
Applying to both cash and Leap fares, the changes will be introduced in two phases, with the second later this year.
Tickets purchased using a TFI Leap card or via the TFI Go App offer the best value in fares, and you can read more here.
BCIMO
A recent graduate, who studied Marketing with Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University, has been sharing her experience of a work placement at BCIMO in Dudley, home to the Very Light Rail Innovation Centre.
Emily Brown worked alongside her mum, Olivia Brown, the Operations and Marketing Manager, and other members of the BCIMO team, and you can read her 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.