Morning, Tuesday, 25th November 2025
Online
This conference will consider the future of urban mass transit systems in England.
It will bring key stakeholders and policymakers together to examine practical challenges and strategic opportunities arising from the expansion of light rail networks under devolved powers, in the context of the Chancellor of the Exchequer committing £15.6bn to transport projects in towns and cities outside London and the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently progressing through Parliament.
Developments & new guidance
Discussion will reflect latest strategic and operational developments in regions such as West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and the West of England, with a particular focus on implications of recent guidance on tram-train integration from the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board.
Funding, environmental & economic priorities
Delegates will discuss the integration of light rail with other transport modes, options for securing financial sustainability, and aligning regional transport plans with local economic and environmental goals. They will also consider funding models, service integration, and the management of infrastructure to support growth and economic development, as well as the impact of the Integrated National Transport Strategy and the upcoming Railways Bill on devolved transport systems.
Infrastructure, oversight & challenges
Further sessions will focus on long-term planning and ways to address barriers to light rail expansion, including public engagement, aligning devolved funding with strategic goals, and overcoming regulatory and operational challenges.
Attendees will consider how to ensure the resilience of light rail systems in the context of changing travel patterns, environmental pressures, and evolving safety standards, as well as the development of effective data collection to inform decision-making and support sustainable transport initiatives.
Overall planned areas for discussion
- policy and governance: local decision-making and governance capacity - linking devolution to rail and light rail coordination - implications of the Railways Bill
- devolved funding models: aligning regional budgets with strategic transport goals - considerations for infrastructure and operational costs - funding gaps and long-term financial pressures
- network integration: connecting light rail with other transport modes - operational and technical coordination - seamless journeys within wider local and national systems
- system resilience and expansion: addressing barriers to growth - supporting public confidence - service reliability amid changes in travel behaviour and environmental pressures
- regulation and standards: assessing evolving safety frameworks - approaches to easing concerns over compliance burdens - coordinating local innovation with national requirements
- planning and evidence: data collection and quality - strategies for attracting investment - best practice in use of evidence to guide delivery and monitor outcomes
- stakeholder roles and collaboration: supporting regional and local leadership - accounting for operator and passenger needs - coordination across government and transport bodies
- environmental and economic outcomes: net zero goals - modal shift and emissions reduction - translating better connectivity into local growth
