RSSB worked with a light rail tram operator in a major UK city to deliver targeted risk assessments that support safe, effective operations. Our work provided the operator with a clearer understanding of risk across its network and helped inform practical, evidence-based decision-making.
Delivering risk assessments for a light rail tram operator in a major UK city
Client challenge
Light rail and tram systems operate in complex, open environments where interactions with pedestrians, road users, and infrastructure introduce unique safety challenges.
The operator needed robust, up-to-date risk assessments that would:
- Reflect real-world operating conditions
- Support compliance with safety requirements
- Provide clarity on key risks and mitigations
- Enable informed operational and strategic decisions.
Existing approaches did not fully capture the complexity of the network, limiting the ability to consistently assess and manage risk.
What we did
RSSB applied its expertise in system safety, risk assessment, and rail operations to develop a comprehensive and practical approach tailored to the operator’s needs.
We:
- Reviewed existing risk assessment methodologies and outputs
- Engaged stakeholders to understand operational realities and priorities
- Analysed key risk factors across the network, including infrastructure and operational interfaces
- Developed structured, evidence-based risk assessments
- Provided clear recommendations and supporting guidance for implementation.
This ensured the outputs were both technically robust and usable in day-to-day decision-making.
Value delivered
The work provided the tram operator with a stronger, more consistent foundation for managing safety risk across its network.
It enabled:
- Improved visibility and understanding of key risks
- More consistent and structured risk assessment processes
- Better-informed safety and operational decisions
- Greater confidence in compliance with safety requirements.
Ultimately, this supports safer, more reliable light rail operations and helps the operator respond effectively to current and future challenges.