Trams Drive Urban Renewal with UK’s £15 Billion Boost

Trams are regaining traction in the UK as cities embrace a £15 billion investment in clean, reliable, and future-ready public transport options across key urban areas. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Coventry leads the charge with its Very Light Rail project, featuring a 60-seat, battery-powered tram designed for minimal disruption and tight turns on narrow streets. The prototype runs on prefabricated slabs that reduce installation time and leave underground utilities untouched.

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Trams Gain Momentum with Government Backing

Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently confirmed the funding, which includes £2.1 billion specifically allocated to Leeds. As Europe’s largest city without a fixed transit system, Leeds will finally begin work on a tram line connecting it to Bradford by 2028.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin praised the announcement, noting trams can carry three times more passengers than buses and improve journey reliability. These systems also support long-term economic development and cleaner air.

Modern technologies have helped reduce construction costs significantly. Coventry’s 220-meter test line was laid in weeks, not months, with minimal disturbance—comparable to resurfacing a road. This innovation may cut project costs in half, from £25 million per kilometer to just £10 million.

Why Trams Attract Riders and Investors Alike?

Unlike buses, trams provide a sense of permanence. Visible tracks inspire rider trust and encourage private investment in surrounding areas. Nicola Small, director of the CVLR program, highlighted that fixed infrastructure fosters confidence among commuters and developers.

Surveys show car owners are more willing to switch to rail-based transport than buses. While bus users often ride out of necessity, tram passengers tend to make an active choice—boosting usage and lowering car dependency.

Autonomous tram technology may further reduce staffing costs, allowing more frequent service. Coventry also plans to license its tram tech, uniting the region’s automotive heritage with the future of sustainable transit.

Source: www.theguardian.com

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