In this week’s news from the light rail sector, the Environmental Award for NET is announced, seasonal celebrations get underway in Edinburgh and Seaton, West Midlands Metro joins the national anti-social behaviour campaign, and Pre Metro sponsors a popular military vehicle parade.
West Midlands Metro
West Midlands Metro is set to see increased patrols by officers from the region’s Safer Travel Partnership as part of a national campaign to tackle antisocial behaviour.
While serious incidents are, fortunately, extremely uncommon on the West Midlands tram network, keeping customers and employees safe and secure is a top priority for the operator.
Now, it’s lending its support to National Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week (November 18–24), a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of the effects of anti-social behaviour on communities and individuals. For the full story, click here.
Edinburgh Trams
Edinburgh is about to host one of the UK’s most popular winter wonderlands, and the city’s multi-award-winning tram network is gearing up to help visitors make the most of the acclaimed Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens.
With the nearest tram stop, Princes Street, just a few minutes walk away, there couldn’t be a more convenient way to access an exquisite selection of stalls and other festive attractions from today (Friday, November 15).
On Saturday, November 23, St Andrew Square will also see the arrival of the big man in the red suit himself, and you can read more here.
NET
Keolis Nottingham, which operates Nottingham Express Transit (NET), has been awarded for its commitment to biodiversity at a leading industry awards ceremony.
The tram operator came first in the Environmental and Sustainability Initiative category at the recent Global Light Rail Awards, winning with its biodiversity project led by infrastructure manager Glenn Oakes.
The successful project comprises many years of personal commitment from Glenn, and the full story can be found here.
Pre Metro
The third annual Stourbridge Military Vehicle Parade, sponsored by the operator of the Stourbridge Shuttle, took place last weekend.
Crowds from across the region came to support the British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and witness the spectacle.
With the largest turnout yet, this year’s event showcased around 40 historic vehicles, including tanks, trucks, and jeeps from all over the Midlands, all paying tribute ahead of Remembrance Sunday, and you can read more here.
Tyne & Wear Metro
A £5.3m project to restore the historic canopy at Whitley Bay Metro station has entered a new phase, with the works focusing on the atrium at the front of the building.
The Grade II listed structure, which dates back to the Edwardian era, has been undergoing a major restoration and now refurbishing has started on the atrium and the two smaller canopies at the station.
The atrium ceiling is being renewed with new glazing and lighting installed, and you can read more here.
Heritage
It is only a matter of days until the Seaton Tramway awakes from their brief rest after the end of the main season with the return of The Polar Express tram ride which will be taking place on select dates between November 23 and December 24.
British Trams Online reports here that families can take a once in a lifetime trip on a magical tram ride to Santa’s home at the North Pole in a specially decorated single-deck tramcar.
Visitors are also encouraged to travel in their favourite pyjamas whilst admiring the lights and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and a delicious treat.
Then, when at the North Pole (aka Colyton), they can get off the tram and meet the elves with their elf show in the workshop.
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.
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