Light Rapid Transit
Explore the UK's LRT systems below. Each of the 11 systems showcases features and innovations contributing to sustainable urban mobility. Learn about each system's role in enhancing city life and how they pave the way for a greener future.
This historic tramway dates back to 1885, making it one of the world's oldest electric tram systems. In 2014, a massive £100 million upgrade transformed the system, replacing 11 miles of track, introducing 16 modern trams, and creating a new depot. Learn more
The SPT Subway in Glasgow first opened in 1896 as a cable-hauled system powered by steam engines. The railway was hailed as the first of its type in the world and is generally recognised as the world’s third underground railway, after London and Budapest. Learn more
Tyne and Wear Metro
The Tyne and Wear Metro opened in August 1980 and is one of the best-known and longest-serving brands in the North East of England. Its iconic yellow and black logo stands out on cubes at stations. Learn more
The DLR is an automated light metro system that opened in 1987. The railway was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 30 July, and passenger services began on 31 August to serve the redeveloped Docklands area of London. Learn more
From its modest inception, Metrolink has grown to become the UK’s largest light rail network, boasting 99 stops across 64 miles and facilitating over 700 million journeys since its opening in 1992. Learn more
Supertram has been proudly serving the city of Sheffield since 1994, providing commuters and travellers with a clean, quiet, and reliable transportation solution. The network covers four tram routes, spanning a total of 21 miles. Learn more
The West Midlands light rail system operates between Wolverhampton and Edgbaston village via West Bromwich, Bilston, Wednesbury, and Birmingham City Centre. It opened on 30 May 1999, using the former disused Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton Low-Level Line. Learn more
Tramlink began operating in May 2000 as Croydon Tramlink, becoming the first tram system in London since 1959. It is owned by London Tramlink, an arm of Transport for London (TfL), and operated by Tram Operations Ltd (TOL), a subsidiary of FirstGroup. Learn more
In March 2004, public transport in Nottingham was revolutionised with the launch of Nottingham’s tram. Today, NET Nottingham Trams is a 32-kilometre-long (20 mi) tramway, with 51 tram stops and 37 tram sets built by Bombardier Transportation - Alstom. Learn more
The Luas is the tram/light rail system in Dublin, Ireland. Since its inauguration in June 2004, Luas has impressively supported over 430 million passenger journeys, underscoring its essential role in Dublin's transport ecosystem. Learn more
The newest light rail system in the British Isles opened in 2014. The fleet consists of 27 Urbos low-floored trams, each stretching to an impressive 42.8m (140ft 5in) – making them the longest trams in the UK! Learn more
