Cost-effectiveness of light rail assessed

Date: 21/9/2011

With passenger numbers on trams in England standing at record levels, the future of light rail use has undergone an assessment to see how wider implementation can be made more affordable.

Local Transport Minister Norman Baker has published a report on the industry, which contains a number of recommendations for local authorities considering investing in this area.

One proposal is to roll out a new uniform design for light rail across the UK, while another idea is to look overseas for inspiration on how to reduce the cost of building the infrastructure.

A Centre of Procurement Excellence could also potentially be established, which would provide advice on the most affordable methods of installing trams.

"Light rail is good for passengers, good for local economics, good for the local environment and it's a mode of public transport that passengers really enjoy using," Mr Baker explained.

He added that this is why he is committed to bringing the costs of the travel network down so that it can become more of a viable option for local communities.

Figures published by the Department for Transport in August revealed that trips taken on light rail and tram services in England increased by 5.5 per cent between 2009-10 and 2010-11.

As a result, journey numbers are now at their highest to date - at 196.5 million.

Posted by Mary Treen