Search Useful Links Enquiries |
Download Name Description Category
Membership: Feb 2020 - Current Active Members 2020 - 2021Articles
Applrg : Press release, Call for major change for Trams in DfTThe All Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group (APPLRG) has called upon the Secretary of State for Transport, The Right Hon. Grant Shapps, to instigate a major change in the structure of the Department for Transport (DfT) to give greater and due consideration to the tram and light rail sector.Articles
Applrg ; TramForward Press Release Dft DisappointmentMarch 2020TramForward is disappointed with the Department for Transport’s latest publication Decarbonising Transport: Setting the Challenge. Apart from a passing reference to the expansion of Manchester Metrolink, there is no mention of the role played by trams and light rail Articles
Applrg: Dec 2019: The story so farAll Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group - Highlights of the Story, Achievements and Ambitions so far: - Dec 2019 v.11Articles
Dft Consultation 7 Feb 2019In recent years, the Department for Transport has provided funding to extend existing light rail systems in operation in a number of our cities. We have also been working closely with UK Tram and the sector in reducing the costs of systems for the future. We have carefully considered recommendations from various reports. These include the 2010 All Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group Report on progress in developing modern trams within the UK, and how barriers to the development of further tram schemes could be tackled. The 21st century is seeing rapid shifts in how mobility is provided, with the adoption of broader and more sustainable approaches, such as cycling and car sharing. Social and economic trends are also changing people’s behaviour and attitudes. The digital revolution, emphasis on smart cities and places, and a greater emphasis on sustainability and environmentally friendly ways of travel, create new transport challenges and opportunities. Transport is changing and over the medium to long-term we will be seeing radical changes to mobility services offered in our towns and cities.Articles
New Under Secretary for Transport: Andrew Jones MPAndrew Jones has been appointed as the transport minister responsible for Light Rail following the sudden resignation by Jo Johnson. The All Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group welcomes Andrew back to this post Nice to see you againArticles
LR: Transport Times: Urban Transport Group 10 November 2018 Transport-led projects in the British rust belt need to foster cross-sector initiatives such as educational opportunities, a new report from one of the UK's largest transport groups has argued. The Urban Transport Group, which represents Britain's largest urban areas, has argued that one-off capital projects are 'unlikely to be enough in themselves for towns to thrive'. It cites the creation of a new multi-modal transport interchange in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, which together with other investment, led to a 19% increase in town centre footfall and a 20% reduction in vacancy rates. Articles
LR UK: Ottowa Canada: BRT to LRT October 2018Ottawa is in the middle of a conversion away from a very successful Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network known by its marketing name, The Transitway, towards a Light Rail Transit Network known as the O-Train. The remaining BRT System will feed the LRT system and act as rapid transit in areas too low in passenger levels to have LRT. This article looks at the trials and tribulations that has led to this change over. Articles
LR Applrg: TramForward PR: DEFRA recognises "Oslo Effect" July 2018The Light Rail Transit Association (LRTA) welcomes the news that the Government has at last acknowledged the importance of brake, tyre and road surface wear as a major factor in traffic pollution (Defra/DfT-Call for evidence: brake, tyre and road surface wear, 26 July). The LRTA and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Light Rail (APPLRG) have been drawing attention to this phenomenon for a number of years; known as the “Oslo effect” after the first major study in the eighties. Particulates from this pollution source tend to be smaller than those from exhaust emissions (PM2.5 as opposed to PM10) and can not only enter the bloodstream but can penetrate the cerebral membrane and enter the brain. They have been identified as a possible factor in the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Articles
LR Applrg DEFRA: Oslo Effect Recognition: July 2018 At Last: after years of campaigning and lobbying, UK Government has recognised the road/tyre dust transport corridor pollution and wants a consultation @ https://consult.defra.gov.uk/airquality/brake-tyre-and-road-surface-wear Call for Evidence: Brake, Tyre and Road Surface Wear. Closes 28 Sep 2018. Opened 26 Jul 2018. Please respond direct and copy to info.applrguk@aol.com Articles
GDPR: Register to OPT IN Applrg Data List 25 May 2018We are now updating our contact list in compliance with guidance given and if you wish to opt in and be contacted for further events, please send an e-mail to the Secretariat at the address below General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Articles
LR Applrg 4 Select Committees Air Quality Report 15 March 2018Fourth Report of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Fourth Report of the Environmental Audit Committee, Third Report of the Health and Social Care Committee, and Second Report of the Transport Committee of Session 2017–19Articles
LR Urban Pollution; Alzheimers LinkTiny magnetic particles produced by car engines, road surface, tyres and brakes can travel into the human brain and may trigger Alzheimer's disease, scientists have warned. Articles
Urban Air Pollution: The Almost complete answer - Glasgow October 2015Urban air in much of Europe is not fit to breathe, and vehicles, especially diesel cars and buses, are the principal cause. High levels of particles, nitrogen oxides and unburned fuel create a cocktail of harmful pollution that is breathed by almost every urban European citizen. The effects are half a million premature deaths each year; a quarter of a million hospital admissions; and 100 million lost working days cumulatively costing over €900 billion. The crisis is taking place despite extensive EU laws that limit ambient air-pollution levels, total national emissions, and emissions from major sources including vehicles. The Commission has acted against 18 EU member states for breaching pollution levels but progress to tackle the problem is glacial. EU limits for air pollution are projected to be breached for at least another 15 years and levels will remain above World Health Organisation no-effect guidelines.Articles
LR:Oslo ReportDue to interest generated by the Transport Select Committee and others, this report has been retrieved from our archives. An updated report will appear shortlyArticles
The Almost complete answer to poor Urban Air Quality: July 2015Government Transport Policies are killing us: - All governments have tried to sell us the low cost options of more efficient roads, cars, buses and trucks etc., but the evidence shows that these do not work on the scale now needed and this is a fatal path for many that they are taking down and whilst it appears that lip service is being paid to saving the planet etc., a step change with this new Government is required now that the facts are in the public domain has morally to be done to reduce the illness and death of hard working families, our very young and to enable our older citizens to enjoy considerable healthy, happy longevity Articles
Minister Andrew Jones MP Under Secretary of State Transport May 2015Mr Jones commented following his appointment: “We all know that transport is one of the most significant factors supporting economic growth. Ensuring that people are able to move from place to place easily and that goods can get from manufacturers to customers, both here and abroad as exports, is one of the basics of business. Transport is also an important factor in the quality of our daily lives. We must never forget that people use our trains, roads and public transport for shopping, getting the kids to school and a multitude of everyday tasks.Articles
The Oslo Report - Road Pollution more dangerous than tail-pipe emissions “Oslo PM Report” A Summary About Particulate Matters from Passenger Transport In Oslo, ("Svevestøv fra persontransport i Oslo. En beregning av mengder og kostnader"), By Otto Andersen Articles
Metrolink Focus Jon Lamonte FCILTJon Lamonte FCILT, Chief Executive at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) delivered this speech to the CILT Greater Manchester Group in 2014. He discussed the latest transport developments and achievements in the North West of England and looks toward what will be a challenging yet exciting year for TfGM.Articles
Technical - Kletterwiechen - An above surface crossoverTechnical - Kletterwiechen - An above surface crossoverArticles
TramTrain - Kassel TramTrain - Kassel Articles
Technical - Carbon Report 2030Technical - Carbon Report 2030Articles
Technical - A Low Cost British designed wheel - Needs funding for further developmentTechnical - A Low Cost British designed wheel - Needs funding for further developmentArticles
Technical - A mode cost comparison - Canadian Study November 2009Technical - A mode cost comparison - Canadian Study November 2009Articles
Austerity - Starter Lines - articleAusterity - Starter Lines - articleArticles
Light Hearted - Who needs low floor carsLight Hearted - Who needs low floor carsArticles
Role of Light Rail & Tramways - CitiesRole of Light Rail & Tramways - CitiesArticles
Article Re-Invigorating Local Transport ProvisionsArticle Re-Invigorating Local Transport ProvisionsArticles
Public Inquiry - pteg final report 15 Feb 2010 Public Inquiry - pteg final report 15 Feb 2010Articles
Article - Do we need heavyweight Tram Track?Do We Need Heavyweight Track? The cost of implementing British tramways has escalated over the years. It has become established that street track has to be laid on substantial concrete foundations, and that all utilities have to be diverted, often at enormous cost to the tramway promoter, and the utilities get new assets free! Is all this really necessary? Is it done everywhere else in the world? The answer to both is no. Articles
Report Bus subsidies pro rata greater than Light Rail for less passengersBus use in UK is only holding up because of growth in London - London used to account for 20% of UK bus ridership, these days its 44%, but bus growth in London has levelled off - ridership in the Metropolitan counties is falling - despite the boost of Pensioners Passes - ridership on rail and underground is going UP (this includes trams) - only around 50% of bus income comes from fares - all the rest is subsidy, so buses are not "A successful private sector business" All this shows that if you want to attract discretionary riders - i.e. get car users out of their cars you need rail, buses are an increasingly expensive irrelevance. Articles
Report - UK Cties bottom of European League for car dependencyA report by the Campaign for better transport organisation UK cities bottom of Europe for car dependency 29 September 2011 New research published by Campaign for Better Transport reveals that UK cities are among the most car dependent in Europe, coming bottom of a study into car dependency. The European Car Dependency Scorecard examines how the infrastructure and transport policies of 13 European capitals affect people’s transport choices and quality of life. The scorecard uses 16 indicators covering ease of access to public transport, public attitudes to car use, congestion levels and the side effects from cars to give each of the cities a score and then ranks them accordingly. Whilst Stockholm, Helsinki and Prague grabbed the three top spots, London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast were eighth, ninth, eleventh and twelfth respectively, only beaten to last place by Rome. Articles
Statistic - DfT 2012In 2011/12, there were 204 million passenger journeys on light rail and tram systems in England, the highest annual figure recorded and continuing the upward trend of recent years. Articles
Low Cost Tramways - Do streetcars really beat buses in capacity and costs? Low Cost Tramways - Do streetcars really beat buses in capacity and costs?Articles
Low Cost Tramways - Cutting Procurement CostsImproving competition and cutting costs Providing viable, reliable transport infrastructure is an essential element of any modern nation and is a fundamental requirement if countries are to grow and meet current and future financial challenges.www.tramnews.net . www.Irta.org january 2012 11 Terry Walker of the LRTA’s External Relations Group argues how significant cost savings can be achieved and efficiency improved for light rail development through the use of revised procurement strategies. Articles
Pollution & Health, 30,000 dead in 2008Pollution & Health, 30,000 dead in 2008Articles
Low Cost Tramways - MotorsUsing this technology, it should be possible to achieve vehicle a weight of 10 Tonnes per 100 passenger capacity, with traction energy consumption of 0.5KWh / Km. The aim should be also to get cost down to that of buses on a similar capacity basis. Indeed, bus body technology would be used, the vehicle form being essentially similar to an articulated bus. Articles
Lord Berkeleys debate 14th June 2010 A massive Air Quality Fine for the UKLord Berkeleys debate 14th June 2010 A massive Air Quality Fine for the UKArticles
Air Pollution - Time for the UK to clean up its' actAir Pollution - Time for the UK to clean up its' actArticles
A warning from the pastThe cost, constraints and lack of planning meant that tram in the British Isles was poorly equipped to respond to changes in society. These weaknesses caused tramcar in Britain to disappear much earlier than in the rest of Europe, some weaknesses progressing over the ensuing years to undermine all local transport provisions in the country and more besides. ‘Those who ignore the lessons of history are condemned to re-live them!’ Articles
Why choose Light Rail?

What is Light Rail & Trams today?

For public transport to become a force in dealing with urban congestion, carbon reduction, improving air quality and to be an attractive alternative to the car, it must be built quickly and operate affordably.

Some benefits:

  • Light rail systems have proven track record
  • Growing the public transport market
  • Creating modal shift in some cases 32%
  • Supporting regeneration , renewal and inward regeneration
  • Assisting in the creation off a new urban framework
  • An extremely green mode of transport
  • Will drastically reduce the nations carbon footprint
  • Can be used to re-engineer city districts
Read More...
Whats going on? - Conferences, etc

Latest Events

  • 28/01/2021

    Your Advert Here

    To advertise your future event here, contact jimh@jimmyharkins.com

Accreditations & Affiliations

Proud associates of:

Would you like to know more?

Head to our contact page to get in touch with us. We are always happy to help.

Light Rail (UK) Group

Website Designed, Developed and Maintained by New World Digital Media