This page features the latest updates and activities from the BOLTS group. It includes information on recent in-person and virtual group meetings, case study research on topics selected by members, updates on the group’s growth and development, and member-specific news such as technological advancements and other relevant updates.
BOLTS is actively growing its membership. If your organisation wants further information about BOLTS or the TSC, please get in touch using the Contacts page.
Oslo is part of the European R2DATO project, which investigates how digitalisation and automation can improve rail transport. While much attention in the field often focuses on trains and metros…
This year marked a new chapter for tram drivers around the globe with the launch of the first-ever World Tram Driver Championship. What began as a European competition has now…
Tram and light rail operators face numerous challenges in balancing rolling stock maintenance with service demands. Regular servicing and repairs are needed, but removing too many vehicles at once risks…
The 2025 UK Light Rail Conference took place in Leeds on 22nd and 23rd July, bringing together experts and decision-makers from across the UK’s light rail sector. TSC staff attended…
The Transport Strategy Centre is very pleased to announce that Toronto TTC has now officially joined BOLTS, and we would like to warmly welcome them to the community. Toronto TTC…
The Transport Strategy Centre at Imperial College London had the pleasure to host the BOLTS group at Imperial’s South Kensington Campus for their first in-person meeting of 2025. Representatives from…
Since the inception of the BOLTS group in 2023, studies on driver management have been of high interest to the members. The role of tram drivers extends beyond merely operating…
The Transport Strategy Centre is very pleased to announce that Dubai Tram has now officially joined BOLTS, and we would like to warmly welcome them to the community. Dubai Tram…
BOLTS met in Brussels, Belgium on the 16th-18th October 2024. The meeting was hosted by STIB-MIVB, and we welcomed new member Rio de Janeiro Light Rail (VLT Carioca) to the…
In September 2024, BOLTS members virtually met for a two-part workshop on heavy maintenance and mid-life refurbishment. It was the first opportunity for members to discuss in-depth maintenance-related topics with…
The Transport Strategy Centre is very pleased to announce that Rio de Janeiro Light Rail, “VLT Carioca”, has now officially joined BOLTS and we would like to warmly welcome them…
While tram operators in BOLTS typically meet customer expectations for cleanliness and comfort, they may face significant challenges in managing vehicle cleaning operations. Infrastructural inadequacies, such as unreliable or unavailable…
The International Light Rail and Tram Benchmarking Group (BOLTS) met for the first meeting of the year in Oslo, Norway, hosted by founding group member Sporveien. The main aims of…
Environmental Social Governance (ESG) has increased in priority and visibility to public transport organisations in a relatively brief span of time. It could be seen as an evolution of and/or…
Driver recruitment and training are two of the most pressing strategic and technical challenges facing BOLTS members, directly impacting the service that organisations can provide to their customers. These two…
The International Light Rail and Tram Benchmarking Group (BOLTS) met for its second meeting of the year in Hong Kong, hosted by founding group member Mass Transit Railway (MTR), which…
The inherent characteristics of tram vehicles, such as size and weight, may lead to a perception that trams are more difficult to manoeuvre and control safely, particularly as they operate…
GOAL (the Benchmarking Group of North American Light Rail Systems) had its Annual Meeting on 14-16th August in Norfolk, Virginia hosted by Hampton Roads Transit. GOAL was the first group…
The International Light Rail and Tram Benchmarking Group (BOLTS) met for the first time in person in Berlin, Germany, hosted by founding group member Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG). The Transport Strategy…
