Light rail

Feature

Very light rail gets going for Coventry

The concept of Very Light Rail has been slow to mature, but a system being developed in Coventry is offering plenty of promise. Peter Plisner reports.

Light rail 11 Jul

Looking through the old railway bridge at Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre building in Dudley. Parry People Mover's Railcar 10 is seen stored under the bridge. PETER PLISNER.

News

Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre owner enters administration

Much of the centre's funding came in loans from the local council.

Light rail 7 Jul

An Edinburgh tram at Picardy Place on June 6 2023, during a trial run of the extension to Newhaven. CONRAD LANDIN.

News

Private finance hailed as key to new Edinburgh tram line

Consultant who played role in delivering extension to existing route says private finance can deliver a second line.

Edinburgh Trams 7 Jul

Coventry VLR tests in the city centre. PETER PLISNER.

News

Coventry VLR trials get under way on easy-to-install test track

A short test track in the city centre is being used to demonstrate the vehicle.

Coventry 16 Jun

Could a stop like this be coming to somewhere near you? This mock-up is a proof-of-concept design for the planned Coventry VLR system. RAIL PHOTOGRAPHY: PETER PLISNER.

Feature

Very light rail: the lower cost alternative to traditional light rail

As the costs of traditional light rail schemes rise, there’s more interest in smaller, cheaper alternatives. Cue the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre.

Light rail 11 Jun

Tyne and Wear Metro Stadler Class 555 No 555021 arrives at Pelaw. PAUL BIGGS.

News

Tram-trains, new metro lines and mass transit systems part of £15bn city region transport plan

Nine regions to benefit from £15.6bn in funding for a series of transport projects.

Government 4 Jun

The VLR prototype at the Very Light Rail Centre on March 19 before its On-Road tests in Coventry later this year. RICHARD WILCOCK.

News

Track laying under way for Coventry Very Light Rail ahead of city debut

Demonstration track aims to show how the system can be implemented more quickly than traditional trams.

Light rail 3 Apr

The view on top of Parkhead Viaduct showing the work that’s already been done on the West Midlands Metro towards Dudley. PETER PLISNER.

News

Transport Secretary visits West Midlands Metro to confirm funds for extension

The extension towards Dudley's Merry Hill shopping centre will cost £295 million.

Trams 18 Feb

Martin Fleetwood, consultant for law firm Addleshaw Goddard

Comment

Guest Comment: Light rail is right for rail

Construction costs could be reduced if utilities do not have to be moved, says Martin Fleetwood.

Industry views 12 Feb

Britain lags behind other European countries in light rail construction. Our newest piece of tramway is the Blackpool Tramway’s Talbot Road branch, which officially opened in June 12 2024. ALAMY.

Feature

Why the UK needs more trams and how to make more of them

“People like trams” says former Campaign for Better Transport Director Norman Baker. So why not build more?

Light rail 30 Jan

News

New Devolution Framework unveiled could help Mayors control rail services

The Government has outlined further plans for devolution for English regions as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Raynor released its English Devolution White Paper on December 16.

Department for Transport 17 Dec

Comment

Opinion: The Budget’s pros and cons

Light rail boost, but light on HS2 Euston detail and not great for freight

Editor's comment 13 Nov

WMM’s Wolverhampton city centre extension opened in 2023. CAF tram 57 calls at the bus station stop at Piper’s Row with a service to the terminus adjacent to Wolverhampton station. PETER PLISNER.

Feature

Obstacles to growth of the West Midlands Metro

Now 25 years old, the West Midlands Metro has been slow to expand. COVID and inflationary pressures have meant funding issues and delays. Peter Plisner reports.

Light rail 28 Oct

News

West Yorkshire mayor visits Nottingham for City tram tour

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, met with Nottingham City Council on August 7 to learn more about how Nottingham has developed its award-winning tram network (NET).

Light rail 28 Aug

Artists impression of West Yorkshire Mass Transit

News

Potential routes for West Yorkshire Metro revealed

Potential routes for the ambitious plans for a brand-new mass transit system in West Yorkshire unveiled by Mayor Tracy Brabin.

Leeds 17 Jul

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Cllr Martin Gannon, Cabinet Member for Transport and Leader of Gateshead Council

News

North East Mayor plans metro extension and Leamside reopening

The North East of England is pushing forward with its ambitious transport plans with the announcement of £8.6 million to develop plans for expanding the Metro to Washington and reopening the disused Leamside Line.

Metro 15 Jul

News

Light rail body seeks tram safety improvement

The Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) has launched a national campaign aiming to enhance pedestrian safety around UK tramways.

Light rail 11 Jul

News

Bold new transport vision set by Transport for Greater Manchester

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham has set out the region’s wider plan for transport which includes expanding the Bee Network with new Metrolink lines to surrounding towns including Stockport, Rochdale. and Bolton all set to be included under the new plans.

Metrolink 10 Jul