A vehicle donated by UKTram recently played a vital role at an event showcasing decarbonisation in the transport sector at the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre.
Tram 16 is now used as a testbed for innovative technology at the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO) facility in Dudley and was integral to the success of a demonstration day organised as part of the Clean Futures Accelerator Programme.
Launched in July 2023, the two-year programme was led by Connected Places Catapult (CPC) and delivered by BCIMO in partnership with Coventry University. It is designed to address key industry challenges by accelerating the route to market for SMEs through funding, technical expertise, and commercial insight.
James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, is a member of the project’s review board and said he was delighted to see so much innovation on display during the demonstration day, which attracted industry partners and potential investors for a busy day of networking, exhibitions and a panel session.
“Light rail is already one of the most environmentally friendly forms of public transport, and the Clean Futures programme is now delivering on its potential to provide a real boost to SMEs with the potential to make it even greener,” he explained.
“We were also delighted to see that Tram 16, an AnsaldoBreda T-69 Class tram formerly operated by West Midlands Metro, continues to play a vital role in driving innovation.”
The Demonstration Day event, which celebrated the completion of Cohort 2 of the programme, was opened by the BCIMO’s Head of SME Development, Naomi Arblaster, before participating SMEs outlined the reasons why their solution should be chosen for future backing.
More details about the demonstration day and the Clean Futures Programme can be found on the BCIMO website here.
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