TRAM AND LIGHT RAIL

The Future of Light Rail

James Hammett, Managing Director of UK Tram reveals how to secure a sustainable future for light rail in England, Scotland, and Wales

When it comes to success stories, few in recent times can surpass that of light rail. Usage has increased over the past twenty years to the point that, pre-pandemic, 282 million journeys were made in the year up to March 2019.

Compared to traditional alternatives such as bus or car, the tram is the preferred solution. Whether it be for speed, convenience, accessibility, safety, or environmental reasons, light rail is the choice of millions.

That’s not to say it’s always a smooth ride. The last two years presented a great and unexpected challenge. The Covid pandemic, naturally and understandably, saw passenger numbers decline.

Now, thankfully, the sector is moving forward once again, heading calls to enhance connectivity, drive inward investment, reduce congestion, and improve air quality. That’s why, at UK Tram, we are proud to have published A Light Rail Strategy for the UK, a landmark document drawing on expertise from across the sector, to build a compelling case for tramways and similar transit systems while highlighting the benefits that existing networks already deliver.

UK Tram is now at the forefront of developments to build for the future with a new strategy, launched with support from Transport Ministers Grant Shapps and Baroness Vere. It highlights the benefits of putting tramways at the heart of this country’s future integrated urban transport networks, forming a coherent and convincing argument for the expansion of the sector across the UK.

More than that, it presents a rallying call to unite behind a bold vision for the future. The facts speak for themselves. A light rail corridor is a magnet for employment, housing, education, and leisure. It is, put simply, a catalyst for change and growth. Revitalising local economies, it also makes them healthier, greener and more attractive places to live and work.

There are few better ways for any local authority to send out a message that they are committed to improving an area’s public transport, economy, and environment, and building customer and investor confidence, than by working towards the development of light rail, a network of arteries invigorating urban areas. That’s without the hundreds of jobs provided by the light rail system itself.

A Light Rail Strategy for the UK sets out a clear programme of initiatives to reduce the cost and complexity of future projects whilst driving cross-sector partnerships. It reveals how, with closer collaboration between sector stakeholders to drive innovation and best practice, light rail can further cement its position in the fabric of the country.

Of course, the light rail sector is everchanging, and it is incumbent on UK Tram to be at the forefront of developments to create an even more efficient passenger experience. Over the next three years, as well as the continued daily support and assistance to our members and the industry, we will be targeting key areas for the expansion of this hugely important, economically, socially, and environmentally vibrant sector. That means reviewing the proposals for new light rail schemes and extensions to existing networks and supporting the most viable ones towards implementation.

At the same time, we will be supporting the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board and the continued improvements of safety in the industry, as well as looking to reduce our industry’s carbon footprint.

Light rail would be nothing without the people who work in the sector and so we are also working to increase career pathways whilst improving diversity and inclusion.

With rail systems nearing ‘turn up and go’ levels, UK Tram is working with its European partners to explore the future of autonomous trams in urban transport, potentially driverless and able to recognise obstacles and respond to signals. It is a move based on the ever-present need for passenger efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and modern, quick and clean travel corridors for both people and developers.

Ecommerce is another case in point. At present, a lot of freight is carried via road haulage, and yet light rail offers excellent opportunities to connect ecommerce distribution centres with collection hubs, again reducing emissions and road congestion.

Increasingly important to remember also that the light railway solution is a green solution. According to Public Health England, up to 36,000 deaths a year are attributable to human-made air pollution. Traffic is one of the most significant sources of poor air quality in urban areas, brought about not just by the use of fossil fuels, but also brake and rubber particulates.

Additionally, light rail providers are increasingly seeking to ensure that the source power supply is based on renewable energy, for instance the power supply to Manchester Metrolink trams and stops is 100 per cent from renewable sources.

We understand that developing and promoting light rail systems is a timeconsuming and resource-hungry process, which is why we are working closely with the Department for Transport to assist and give confidence to those investigating the viability of heading down the light railway route. Recent changes to the Treasury’s business case guidance stress that weight should be given to the strategic case for investment, supporting societal objectives alongside environmental ones.

At the start of this article, I mentioned the Covid pandemic. An unprecedented national and international crisis, with deep repercussions on seemingly every level, like so many other industries recovery has been our immediate focus. Yes, it has been a difficult time, but now, as evidenced with the launch of the Light Rail Strategy, we are presented with an ideal opportunity to move forward and grow the industry, putting light rail at the heart of the country’s economic recovery and helping to meet challenging carbon net zero targets.

Dynamism, agility, and responsiveness are at the heart of all we do as we rise to every new challenge in the industry. Our Strategy for the Future of Light Rail, which can be downloaded from the UK Tram website, will also help us to continue to do what we do best – building partnerships to help drive a bright future for the sector.

James Hammett

is the Managing Director of UK Tram and oversees the Boards requirements in the operation of the trade body for Light Rail in the UK.