Tram scheme inquiry announced

The All Party Parliamentary Light Rail Group, together with the Passenger Transport Executive Group are setting up an inquiry to consider the development of modern tram systems in the UK.

The purpose of the inquiry is to reflect upon and address the issue that, while the government have approved a number of modern tram schemes in recent years, these schemes take longer and cost more to put into place in the UK than in other countries. The inquiry will aim to reconsider the evidence in favour of modern tram systems and identify practical steps to move the implementation of such systems forward.

Operators of light rail schemes and local authorities may be interested in submitting evidence to the inquiry committee, which will be focusing on reviewing the issues that have enabled or hampered the progress of modern tram schemes in the UK. Particular attention will be given to the following:

• Comparing the experiences of delivering tram schemes in the UK with experiences delivering similar schemes abroad and considering what can be learnt from the way that schemes are progressed in Europe.
• Analysing current and potential future UK government policy towards modern tram schemes and examining whether any major changes have occurred since the Transport Select Committee’s report on the future of light rail and modern trams in the UK (the content of which can be found here was published in 2005.
• Considering the risks involved in developing tram schemes and whether anything can be learnt from the way that such risks have historically been addressed.
• Assessing the opportunities to develop modern tram systems in the UK and the best ways to harness any such opportunities. The inquiry will also examine how a better framework for implementing modern tram systems in the UK can be put into place.

The inquiry hearings are due to commence on 27 October 2009. Interested parties must submit evidence by 7 October 2009.

The inquiry aims to publish its findings in early 2010.