UKTram, the recognised trade body for the light rail sector, has submitted its response to the Mass Transit Taskforce’s call for evidence outlining recommendations to help the UK deliver more efficient and sustainable mass transit schemes.
The submission draws on experience from across the sector, examining the lifecycle of mass transit projects – from their economic and social benefits through to their funding, procurement, construction, testing and operation.
The organisations key message is that we need to “move away from treating every mass transit scheme as a standalone project”, highlighting that many of the challenges that emerge during construction or commissioning can be traced back to earlier issues regarding funding, governance, capability gaps and under-developed plans.
UKTram calls for a clearer and more consistent national framework, supported by local accountability, improved standardisation and utilisation of lessons learned from previously established transport networks.
Their response also emphasises the importance of a “long-term pipeline of schemes” to help authorities retain teams with experienced and skilled workers, giving the supply chain greater confidence to invest in “specialist capability, manufacturing and innovation”.
The Mass Transit Taskforce has announced a group of 32 expert advisors who will provide guidance, technical expertise and industry insight – using the evidence submitted from different body’s, alongside input from forthcoming roundtables, to help with findings and recommendations.