A recent article highlighting Vienna's exemplary public transport system has sparked a call for UK policymakers to reconsider the role of trams in alleviating city congestion. Professor Lewis Lesley, responding to the piece, emphasizes that trams provide exceptional value for money and could transform urban mobility across Britain.
The Case for Trams
In March, a report titled Towns and Trams was published by Create Streets, Freewheeling, and the Campaign for Better Transport, with support from the RAC Foundation. The report advocates for the widespread adoption of trams, drawing inspiration from Vienna's successful model. However, progress remains slow; the planned tram scheme for Leeds has been postponed until the late 2030s.
Professor Lesley notes that trams deliver 90% of the benefits of metro systems at just 10% of the cost. For the price of London's Elizabeth line, the capital could build a world-class tram network spanning over 1,000 kilometres—more than twice the length of the entire Tube network.
Declining Bus Use and Car Dependency
Even in London, bus usage has been declining by approximately 1.5% annually, despite efforts to attract more passengers. According to Department for Transport data, 25% of tram passengers have switched from using cars, highlighting trams' potential to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
A local initiative in Southwark is promoting an initial tram line connecting London Bridge and Denmark Hill, serving three major hospitals. However, legal and institutional barriers continue to hinder progress.
Professor Lesley's comments underscore the urgent need for UK transport policy to embrace trams as a cost-effective and efficient solution to urban congestion.
