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Light Rail News Roundup November 1, 2024

In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Metro operator appoints new

Non-Executive Director, Manchester Metrolink customers urged to become

‘active bystanders’, Blackpool Transport launches App updates, Sheffield

Supertram honours armed services, and engineering works in London.


West Midlands Metro


Tram operator Midland Metro Limited (MML) has announced the appointment of a

new Non-Executive Director as it prepares for future network expansion.


With over 40 years’ experience in the rail industry, Richard Brooks joins the MML

board as the business gears up for the launch of services to Dudley next year.


A former Customer Experience Director at West Midlands Trains, and previously a

Commercial Director at London Midland, more recently he has served as a Non-

Executive Director and Trustee of Stour Vale Academy Trust. To read more about

Richard’s appointment, click here.


Manchester Metrolink



People travelling on trams and other public transport in Greater Manchester are

being encouraged to become ‘active bystanders’ and safely support one another

when confronted with harassment or unwanted sexual behaviours.


A new campaign launched recently by the Greater Manchester TravelSafe

Partnership aims to help passengers recognise the signs of harassment or unwanted

sexual attention, while also advising on how to support someone targeted and how

to report incidents.


Ensuring the safety of everyone travelling or working on public transport, particularly

women and girls, is of vital importance to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM),

and you can read the full story here.


Blackpool Transport



The operator has launched an update to its app that offers customers Personalised

Travel Alerts, a new feature designed to keep them in the know about the disruptions

and other changes that matter most to them – straight to their phone!  


While disruptions are sometimes unavoidable due to roadworks, incidents, or bad

weather, customers no longer need to search for updates on our website or social

media.


Once they’ve opted in, customers will receive timely and relevant information based

on their favourite routes and stops, and you can find more details here.


Sheffield Supertram


As the region pays their respects this Armistice Day, South Yorkshire’s tram network is

taking the opportunity to give thanks to those who risk their lives for our country, both

then and now.


Supertram has an emotive connection with the armed forces, with many veterans

working within the business today.


As a small token of respect and gratitude to those who have served past and present, it

will be offering free travel on Sunday, November 10, and Monday, November 11, to

veterans wearing medals or a veteran badge and Armed Forces personnel in uniform or

with a Military ID, and you can read more here.


London Trams

Transport for London has issued a late-notice announcement of closure of a large

section of the tram network this Saturday and Sunday, Inside London reports.


It says that the closures are caused by essential engineering works and, after

8.30pm on Saturday, there will be no service between Reeves Corner and

Beckenham Junction and Elmers End West Croydon and New Addington.


On Sunday, no service is expected between Reeves Corner and East Croydon.


LRSSB

New technology that relies on track vibrations to alert pedestrians of an approaching

tram has the potential to deliver a major boost to light rail safety, a recent study

involving the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board has shown. 


Developed by Efficiency Ups Ltd, the VibeSafe system offers a reliable, cost-

effective way to alert people near crossings or tramlines to mitigate against the risk

of pedestrian-tram collisions.

 


As part of the ongoing project, the LRSSB has helped to support and guide the

research and testing of this innovative alert system, and you can read the full story


Heritage


Image Credit: British Trams Online

Now that the major restoration of London County Council 1 is at an end, with the

tram having launched into service in September 2024, the big focus in the workshop

at the Crich Tramway Village is on Blackpool Brush Railcoach 298.


In an article this week, British Trams Online takes a look at some recent photos of

the tram as well as seeing another recent product of the workshop in action

– Newcastle 102.


Since 298 returned to Crich in 2021, with it soon being followed by its newly

constructed underframe, and you can read the full article 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.



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