Introduction

Greater Manchester’s Metrolink network continues to be a massive success story, making over 19 million journeys a year, it has recently been announced that the there will be a further £25.7 million investment for the upgrade of the current system. 

Light rail transit has been transforming public transport services in many towns and cities in the UK; integral to the network they can provide fast and reliable services to passengers in urban areas. With recent significant technical developments in the field, light rail has moved up the political agenda for transport provision. 

This event will set the scene for light rail in the UK. Expert speakers will explore the differences between heavy and light rail and the technical implications for the design, implementation and operation. Technical lectures will be given on significant advances in light rail technology in the areas of signalling, power supplies and vehicles. It will also provide an exciting update on the Tram Train Trial project being run by Network Rail which is looking at future opportunities for innovative lightweight trains in the UK.

The event will be followed by a tour of the Stagecoach Metrolink Depot in the afternoon, providing a first hand look at Britain’s very first on-street light rapid transport system and subsequent upgrade developments.

Technical topics include

• Introduction to light rail
• Standards
• Signalling
• Power
• Vehicles
• Tram train trail

Who should attend?

This event will be highly relevant to engineers working in the field across all areas or those who have an interest in light rail technology. Recent graduates working in the industry or more senior engineers that are looking to move into a career in light rail will also benefit from attendance.