Tram networks are continuing to make a major congestion-busting contribution to key cities across the country, the leader of the UK’s light rail sector said today (Tuesday).
James Hammett, Managing Director of UK Tram said: “Customers are giving a massive vote of confidence in light rail. It offers a frequent, swift and reliable ‘green’ travel option and also helps significantly in attracting inward investment and driving regeneration.”
He was speaking on the back of a new Government report which showed passenger journeys on the nation’s tramways had increased by over 40% during the last decade with tram systems outside London performing well over the past year.
The figures suggested that overall, outside of London, tram networks clocked up 118.6 million journeys in the year to March 2018, an increase of 2.4% compared to the previous 12 months.
Mr Hammett said that if London systems were included total customer journeys had remained broadly stable over the past year. He explained: “Engineering and improvement works have constrained patronage somewhat but the investment being made by networks now will certainly pay dividends in the future with more and more passengers finding that tram travel is the best alternative to the car with significant benefits for the environment.
“Indeed the current figures would be even better if returns for the successful Edinburgh tramway had been included.”
He explained: “Overall it’s a hugely positive story. Cities like Nottingham and Manchester are seeing their networks go from strength to strength and other locations continue monitoring the success of light rail in trying to determine the best solution for reducing congestion and improving air quality.”
Sustained levels of service excellence across the sector were also highlighted in the Department for Transport report. Mr Hammett added: “Customer satisfaction levels remain at exceptional levels in excess of 90%.
“This is well above other forms of public transport and underlines the convenience and reliability of light rail when it comes to getting customers where they need to be.”
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For further information contact Martin Farrow at QED Public Relations on 01332 742535 (m: 07771 970025) or James Hammett on 0121 214 7607.
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