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LIGHT RAIL
James Hammett, Managing Director of UKTram, reflects on the last 12 months and looks ahead to 2026 full of optimism
Light rail at a turning point: A year of progress and possibilities ahead
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et to benefit from a share of the £15.6 billion funding for local transport across England’s city regions announced in the Government’s last spending review, 2026 promises to be a landmark year for light rail. That’s the view of James Hammett, Managing Director of the sector’s representative organisation, UKTram, as he reflects on the past 12 months and renewed enthusiasm for light rail as a sustainable solution to future urban transport challenges. “As an organisation, we have long spoken about the sector’s potential but in 2025 that potential became increasingly visible,” he explained. “Across the country, operators, promoters, local authorities and suppliers have been moving with greater confidence and clarity than at any point in the last decade. “At the same time, the past year has shown what light rail can achieve and how it can support the wider transport system, including greater integration with main line railways.” As a result, James believes the sector now stands
on the cusp of a new phase of maturity, one driven by collaboration and a long-term vision that builds on the success of established systems.
Dec 25/Jan 26
Recently published figures show light rail patronage across England totalled more than 231 million, with systems outside London seeing a six per cent uplift and vehicle miles increasing by four per cent. “These figures demonstrate a modal shift in attitudes and growing public trust in tramways and similar forms of mass transit,” James said. “Across the UK, we are also seeing development work continuing at pace. In West Yorkshire, significant progress has been made on the region’s mass transit plan, and in the West Midlands, further Metro extensions are due to open this year. “Just a short distance away, Coventry’s Very Light Rail (VLR) programme is redefining how cities can deliver fixed-track benefits at lower cost and lighter scale, while regions such as South Yorkshire and the West of England are revisiting scheme aspirations with renewed confidence, supported by collaborative planning and a more stable long-term policy environment. “Meanwhile, tram-train networks in Cardiff and Sheffield continue to influence wider thinking on