The UK Light Rail Conference, which was in its 15th year of running, has been supported by Nexus who exhibited their exciting Metro Future Project.

The well respected public transport sector conference took place at the Hilton, Newcastle-Gateshead this year on Tuesday the 13th and Wednesday the 14th of July 2021.

The event brings together sector experts and professionals, leading figures and key opinion-makers from across the industry to share experience, best practices and take part in open and honest debate.

The conference also features interactive and insightful presentations, 40 top-level speakers and an exhibition of leading suppliers and service providers.

Nexus, who is a public body that owns and oversees the running of Metro, exhibited its £362 million scheme. The ambitious Metro Futures Project will replace the entire current Metro train fleet and see a brand new Metro train depot built on the current depot site at Gosforth in Newcastle.

The project will be vital to offering reliable, convenient and comfortable services for passengers in the North East of England. The contract for the new trains has been won by Swiss train manufacturer Stadler who will design, build and maintain the new fleet.

Delegates experienced first-hand from Tyne and Wear Metro’s Major Renewals Programme as well as being offered insights into the next steps of the Metro fleet replacement project, infrastructure reform and planned future expansions.

Managing Director Transport North East, Tobyn Hughes, said: “It is my great pleasure to welcome the UK light rail conference to North East England.

“This prestigious event was first launched 15 years-ago to share best practice and bring together industry leaders across Britain and Europe.

“It seems fitting that now is the time for our region to host the event as we prepare for the introduction of a new fleet of trains for the Tyne and Wear Metro. This is alongside a whole host of other major transport investments.

“As well as receiving presentations from the Tyne and Wear Metro, the conference will also hear how transport is part of the economic recovery of this region.”

Chief Operating Officer at Nexus, Martin Kearney, said: “It’s really exciting that our region is hosting the UK light rail conference. It’s a fantastic opportunity to share best practice with colleagues from this country and from across Europe.

“It’s a chance for Nexus showcase our own Metro system and share our exciting investment plans for the future.”

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