Edinburgh Trams has been shortlisted in the Technical Innovation of the Year category at the Global Light Rail Awards, thanks to the development of a website and associated app that addresses safety critical work permits.
Supported by industry body UKTram, the city’s tramway has led the development of an automated system called Permit+ that speeds up and simplifies the process of applying for permission to work near the tramway.
Since its foundation, the Light Rail Awards has attracted entries from around the world. This year the judging panel is focusing on excellence and innovation within the light and urban rail sectors, with the winners of each category announced at an awards dinner in London on 6th October.
The Technical Innovation of the Year category seeks to honour projects or initiatives that have transformed the way the industry delivers the highest possible standards of service.
Edinburgh Tram’s Managing Director Lea Harrison said:
The new ‘Permit+ system will be of enormous help to Edinburgh’s tramway, particularly after the opening of the extension to Newhaven when demands for permits are expected to increase.
Working in partnership with UKTram has allowed us to be at the forefront of technology in this highly important area of emerging online tools related to transport innovation.
With the implementation of this new system, we hope to offer significant benefits for anyone who is required to work safety on or around the tramway, giving them the ability to review the status of all applications as well as any ongoing engineering works.
Following final testing, the new Permit+ system is due to be fully rolled out later this year.
