Scheduling, strategy and safety in focus at the Sheffield Light Rail Operators Committee (LROC) meeting

Last week, colleagues from across the light rail sector came together in Sheffield for a productive Light Rail Operators Committee (LROC) meeting hosted by Sheffield Supertram and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

The day began at the Supertram depot, where attendees were given a presentation on SIMOVE. This innovative Siemens system is designed to assist in vehicle control by preventing overspeed incidents. Already used at Metro Tenerife and Metro Ligero, this technology is still in its testing phase in the UK, and it was a privilege to gain a first-hand look at its potential to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

Following the SIMOVE presentation, attendees were given a tour of the Supertram control room, offering insight into the operations that keep the network running smoothly.

The afternoon session, held at SYMCA’s headquarters, featured a packed agenda covering key operational priorities for the sector. These included strategies to increase patronage and adapt timetables in response to shifting passenger needs, participants sharing ideas to address driver recruitment and retention and discussions about the challenges of rolling out Driver Vigilance and Overspeed Protection systems across networks.

Two networks reported the benefits they had found from using a new drugs and alcohol testing device that has proven to be more cost-effective and less resource-confining than traditional methods. The device was originally showcased at last year’s Light Rail Conference.

The group suggested that holding a separate meeting specifically focused on Driver Resourcing may provide a platform to share best practice between these specialised members of operations. This would give them unique insight into all the tools and techniques available to improve on the efficient and effective driver rosters across the industry.

These sessions continue to provide an essential forum for operators to share experiences, tackle common challenges, and collaborate on practical solutions for improving the resilience, safety, and customer experience across UK tram networks.

As always, the expertise and passion shown by attendees highlighted the sector's strength, particularly as more cities explore the development of new schemes. LROC plays a vital role in supporting those ambitions.