Driving sector growth and promoting sustainability will remain key priorities for
UKTram in 2025, says the organisation’s Managing Director.
In a New Year message, James Hammett has also highlighted the opportunities and
challenges that lie ahead for the sector while pledging to double down on support for its members as they strive to improve their services to customers.
“As we welcome the new year, we're filled with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead.''
“In 2024, we’ve seen most networks enjoy sustained patronage growth, and it’s vital
we don’t miss the opportunity to capitalise on the renewed enthusiasm for the
nation’s most popular form of public transport.
“The year ahead also presents incredible opportunities to shape the future of light
rail, with several major projects nearing completion and proposals for other mass
transit systems taking shape.
“There will also be significant challenges to overcome, and as existing second-
generation networks mature, we will step up our support for owners and operators as
they plan renewal programmes for both rolling stock and infrastructure.
“This will see an even more vital role for our functional working groups that have
already proved invaluable when it comes to sharing best practice and pooling
expertise to identify solutions to the challenges they face.
“At the same time, our Centre of Excellence will continue to provide proposers of
new light rail projects with the advice and support they need to develop their plans.
They will also be forging even closer links with academics and other experts to
explore the potential of new technology to help remove some of the barriers to the
expansion of light rail in the UK.
“Over the past 12 months, we have seen a change of government, and the new
administration’s commitment to greater devolution also presents significant
opportunities for the sector.
“In 2025, we plan to further intensify our efforts to lobby
decision-makers at both regional and national levels, maintaining our strong
relationships with the Department for Transport, Office for Rail and Road, mayoral
authorities and local governments to ensure that investment in sustainable transport
is pushed further up the political agenda.
“We will, of course, continue to work closely with partners such as the Light Rail
Safety and Standards Board and colleagues from transport-related organisations in
the UK and overseas to enhance sector on a wide range of issues, from reducing the
risks of accidents to improving urban connectivity.
“Whatever the year ahead has in store, our members can count on the UKTram
team’s unwavering dedication to promoting their interests as we set to work
developing a new strategic plan as UKTram continues to evolve in line with the
needs of the sector.
“Further details of the plan will be revealed in due course, but in the meantime, I
would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members, suppliers and colleagues
from across the sector a happy and prosperous New Year!”
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