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ADVERTORIAL
James Hammett, UKTram’s Managing Director, outlines the organisation’s focus for the year ahead
Turning ambition into delivery
Edinburgh Trams. Image: Chelsea Branch
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s the new business year begins, UKTram remains committed to helping the light rail sector turn ambition into delivery. Interest in light rail is increasing across the UK and Ireland. New schemes are under consideration, existing systems are evolving and light rail’s role is widely recognised and appreciated. Still, progress and expansion depend on several factors, from funding and delivery capacity to the wider complexity of developing viable schemes. UKTram’s role extends beyond promotion to actively supporting sector progress. This involves helping move schemes forward and turning ideas into credible proposals and deliverable projects.
From ambition to delivery This year, UKTram’s priority is to strengthen the pipeline of schemes and support members through the development stages. The sector has no shortage of vision, but greater consistency and confidence are needed in advancing schemes. UKTram supports this by serving as a trusted, independent voice, interpreting policy, aligning proposals with funding requirements and also sharing lessons and best practice from across the networks.
This includes engaging with scheme promoters earlier to support option development, business case preparation, delivery readiness and drawing on experience from multiple systems. UKTram’s aim is to identify challenges and offer solutions. At the same time, there is a continued need to ensure that light rail is clearly understood by decisionmakers as a viable and deliverable solution. This means strengthening evidence-based advocacy to demonstrate how light rail aligns with wider priorities such as decarbonisation, economic growth, placebased development and improved connectivity.
Practical intervention In addition to shaping the broader narrative, UKTram continues to provide support for developing schemes through its ongoing liaison with the Department for Transport (DfT) on CRSTS (City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement) funding, as well as maintaining the DfT-approved Tram Tracker, which provides a clear overview of schemes across the UK and British Isles. Additionally, UKTram and its Centre of Excellence continue to support promoters at earlier stages of development through tools such as the Route Map and Pre-Route Map, helping shape proposals
April 2026
into credible and deliverable schemes. This work is complemented by continued engagement with Network Rail and the DfT on bid development and review, as well as contributions to wider initiatives, such as the Mixed-Use Railway working group. UKTram is also strengthening the broader ecosystem for light rail delivery. This includes supporting the Very Light Rail working forum; participating in research and innovation with partners such as Light Rail Safety and Standards Board; and working with the Department for Business and Trade to emphasise the need for a stable pipeline and a UK-based supply chain.
Supporting members Supporting members remains at the heart of UKTram’s work, and this support is progressively focused on providing timely and targeted assistance. For operators, this means continued concentration on operational performance, safety and efficiency. By sharing experience across systems, operators can learn from one another and apply proven approaches in their own networks. For local authorities and scheme promoters, support is centred on guiding them through complex