About us
Providing a ‘single voice’ for the sector, UKTram tirelessly supports its members while driving a bold vision for the future of light rail in the UK.
UKTram represents an alliance of the UK's tram and light rail industry, dedicated to advancing and integrating light rail as a crucial component of urban transport.
Our work spans advocacy, innovation, and collaboration with operators, local government bodies, manufacturers, and consultants.
With a steadfast commitment to sustainability and efficiency, UKTram positions itself as a thought leader, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in public transport.
It also continues to focus on decarbonisation, modal shift, and accessibility for all while aiding the sector's growth, new scheme development, training, careers, and ED&I.
This includes a thorough look at Innovation, R&D, and UK-based manufacturing opportunities while benchmarking and collating information that helps us drive the sector forward in conjunction with our members.
As a not-for-profit membership body, we represent all light rail and ‘other guided transport’ systems in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man.
This includes:
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Second-generation tramways
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Metros
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Subways (excluding the London Underground),
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Very light rail
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Personal rapid transit systems, and
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Heritage tramways in the tourism sector.
Through our active working groups, we draw on the industry's collective wisdom. These groups are pivotal in sharing best practices, setting technical standards, and influencing legislative changes.
Our commitment extends to various professional forums to elevate performance standards and cultivate innovation.
Additionally, our Centre of Excellence is a beacon for promoting innovation, assessing new tramway schemes, and exploring lower-cost solutions like Very Light Rail, designed to break down barriers to light rail expansion.
Our endeavours embody a strategic vision for the UK's light rail future, emphasising the development of sustainable, integrated transport solutions.
We aim to ensure that light rail remains a dynamic, cost-effective, and increasingly attractive option for urban mobility.
The team
Pivotal to the journey, the UKTram team consists of individuals with a wealth of experience, diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to innovation. Our collective expertise is instrumental in driving the industry forward. Discover more about their unique journeys and contributions.
The
journey
2003
Discussions between TfL London Trams and other operators highlighted the need for a more coordinated approach to developing tram systems in the UK. They concluded that the existing ad hoc nature of development was holding back the nation’s light rail sector, escalating costs and increasing risks for private and public operators, developers, and investors.
2004
Following the publication of a major report into light rail by the National Audit Office, a government white paper and a 12-month consultation process involving organisations from across the sector, UK Tram is established. It addressed many issues highlighted in the NAO report, including the need for a more strategic approach to light rail development.
2014
In response to the sector's rapid growth and the publication of the Government's ‘Green Light for Light Rail’ report, UKTram undergoes a reconstitution. This process started two years earlier with wide-ranging consultations with key stakeholders, which have shaped the organisation into the powerful voice for the sector that it is today.
2020
In response to the challenges posed by COVID-19, UKTram was instrumental in providing the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland with critical insights from our members.This vital communication helped gauge the pandemic's impact on essential light rail services. Such efforts complemented our commitment to enhancing the light rail sector through coordinated regulation, procurement, and standardisation.
2022
In another milestone year for UKTram, the organisation secured long-term funding from the Department for Transport, enabling it to step up its plans to deliver a bold strategy for the future of light rail. This strategy, also published in 2022, sets out a bold vision highlighting the many benefits tramways and similar transit systems have brought to key cities while exploring ways to break down the barriers to further expansion.
2024
2024 sees UKTram delivering the final 3 of its 2022-25 Business Plan, which focuses on the key areas of delivering the Light Rail Strategy it penned through Best Practice sharing to improve customer experience, connectivity, and rebuilding confidence in the sector. With a firm view on the opportunities ahead with a change in Government, Devolution, and drive for growth, UKTram is now looking at the long-term Strategy from 2025-2040 and how we can support the sector's growth, continued improvement and success.
The board
The UKTram Board, comprised of senior figures from across the sector, is responsible for overall governance. By working closely with members, management, stakeholders, and various statutory bodies, these individauls ensure that the evolving needs of UKTram and its members are met.
Governance
The structure of UKTram includes several advisory groups and subgroups that regularly meet to discuss a comprehensive range of industry issues and share best practices. Subgroups covering marketing, communications, and HR have also been established and currently report to the UKTram Operations Group. All main advisory groups report directly to the UKTram Executive, while overall governance is provided by a board of directors comprising senior figures from across the sector.
UKTram Operations Group
The Operations Group provides a forum for members to share best practices, support each other, and address industry concerns. It aims to enhance light rail operations through collaboration and maintaining relations with stakeholders and authorities.
UKTram Owners and Authorities Group
The Owners and Authorities Working Group is made up of senior representatives from network owners and authorities operating light rail systems. It works to attract investment, improve transport links, reduce congestion, and enhance the environment.
UKTram Engineering Group
The LREG promotes a knowledge base for light rail engineering, sharing best practices and supporting members. It focuses on improving industry standards, providing guidance, and influencing legislation and procedures through active engagement.
UKTram Heritage Group
The Heritage Tramways Group supports heritage tramway undertakings, ensuring their needs are met and providing guidance. It liaises with authorities, organises events, and advises on legislative and procedural changes to benefit heritage tramways.
