Focus of work
There is huge unmet potential for a British tram renaissance, which could boost local prosperity, revive communities and help the country move towards net zero. Trams are rising across Europe, but in the UK tram projects are floundering: marginal politically, unmentioned in the housing debate, and difficult to achieve financially, regulatorily and operationally.
For this project, Create Streets collated tram, policy, design and PR expertise to build a poweful argument of why now is the time for trams.
Impact
The campaign has made progress in several key areas, particularly in raising awareness and media outreach. Activities and achievements include:
- Established an advisory board of six industry experts that meets quarterly to discuss progress and hold the tram network to account.
- Created a global tram network “ground team” of 20 volunteers including engineers, designers and those with an interest in sustainable transport who have contributed through blogs, advocacy and new tram line proposals across the UK.
- Created a webpage to collate information and amplify research and media coverage.
- Attended meetings and events, including the Oxford Citizens Assembly (5 March 2025), where 74% of assembly members stated supporting trams, and Interchange 2025 (4 March 2025) in Manchester.
- Released campaign blogs and secured opinion and news coverage online.
- Conducted site visits and co-design vision workshops to help councils take the first steps toward tram planning, including: Hull (6 December 2024), Bournemouth (25 January 2025) and Westminster (4 April 2025).