Tramway safety podcast celebrates successful first year

As it celebrates its first birthday, new figures reveal that more than 1,000 people have tuned into ‘Let’s Talk Light Rail’ for informed discussion on a wide range of topics.

The seven episodes to date have clocked up around 500 views on YouTube, and a similar number of listeners have either downloaded or streamed them via Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music.

Produced by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, they’ve been recorded at tram depots and offices across the UK and one episode, covering the development of a sector-wide learning management system, was even recorded on board a tram in Edinburgh.

Other editions have included conversations on advances in tram simulator technology, a national pedestrian safety campaign, women in light rail, the safety challenges faced when launching network extensions and the evolution of the LRSSB’s accident and incident reporting system.

Carly Swift, LRSSB Marketing and Communications Manager, hosts the podcast and says it’s now established a global audience.

“Offering an informal look at some of the key issues faced by light rail professionals in the UK, and the support that’s available to them, the podcast is also being streamed around the world,” she said.

“As well as establishing a loyal following close to home, we’re seeing episodes being downloaded or streamed in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

“As we mark the first anniversary of the podcast, we’re lining up more special guests to chat about a wide range of topics, and the first of two episodes currently in production will be released later this month.”

“It’s also easy to catch up on any conversations you may have missed by visiting the LRSSB website, where all previous episodes are available here.”