An analysis of the development of the tramway/light rail concept in the British Isles

During the first quarter of the twentieth century the electric tramcar was the dominant mode of local transport in the urban areas of this country. Thereafter, this position was ceded such that by the 1960s tramways had practically disappeared, a rate well in advance of experience elsewhere. Interest in light rail reappeared in the 1970s and six new systems are now in service. The first stage of tramway decline was brought about by the continual loss of revenue to service a variety of statutory and planning obligations imposed on operators. The second stage came in the 1920s when financially weakened operators had to renew assets in a climate of changing transport demands and economic conditions. Increasingly, as roads and road vehicle technology improved and population spread, the cost-effective option was to convert to motorbus or trolleybus. The transfer of learning from first generation tramways has been minimal and conditions for light rail development remain difficult although the government is becoming more interested. The easing of legislation governing establishment and operation of light rail services is essential for future expansion, and will be best achieved by the industry finding a voice to speak with authority on its behalf.