Global Light Rail Awards 2026 Wednesday 7 October Battersea Arts Centre Entries for Awards NOW open - deadline 17th July

Introducing our 2026 Sponsors:

The Global Light Rail Awards 2025 was a sold-out celebration, bringing together leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across the global light rail sector. Record attendance and unprecedented demand confirmed the Awards’ position as the industry’s must-attend annual event.

For 2026, the Awards move to the iconic Battersea Arts Centre, a larger, more atmospheric venue that allows us to welcome more of the industry while enhancing the experience. Carefully selected to retain the energy the Awards are known for, capacity remains limited to ensure a high-quality evening of celebration, recognition and connection.

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Congratulations to our 2025 Winners

With entries spanning every continent, the Awards showcased the very best in sustainable mobility, innovation, and excellence.

Congratulations to all of our winners and finalists, the standards for the future of light rail are high.

View our Photo Album

Entries Global Light Rail Awards?

Could your organisation be next?

The Global Light Rail Awards 2026 are now open for entries, and we’re looking for projects, people and partnerships that are shaping the future of light rail around the world.

Categories include:

Best Customer Initiative

For projects or policies that truly enhance the passenger experience.

Environmental & Sustainability Initiative

Spotlighting work that’s driving greener transport and a more sustainable future.

Employee of the year

For those that have gone above and beyond the call of duty

Judges’ Special Award

Reserved for stand-out entries that demonstrate exceptional impact or innovation.

Project of the Year

Recognising standout project delivery from complex infrastructure builds to innovative rollouts.

Manufacturer of the Year

For those that keep our tramway, light rail and metro systems running smoothly.

Most Improved System

Recognising those operators and networks that have made the biggest steps forward.

Outstanding Engineering Achievement

Celebrating technical brilliance and delivery under pressure.

Rising Star / Outstanding Individual Contribution

Recognising exceptional people making a difference in their field from new talent to seasoned leaders.

Significant Safety Initiative

From workforce safety to passenger protection, this award celebrates those going above and beyond to keep networks safe

Supplier of the Year

For supply chain partners delivering above and beyond across delivery, quality and service.

Team of the Year

Recognising collaboration, culture, and collective impact – big or small.

Technical Innovation

(Infrastructure / Rolling Stock / Systems)

Celebrating problem-solving and ingenuity in materials, design, systems or vehicles.

UK Operator of the Year

Shining a light on outstanding service delivery, reliability, safety, and community connection.

Vision of the Year

Rewarding bold thinking, long-term planning and forward-looking leadership in light rail.

Worldwide Operator of the Year

Honouring those that deliver excellence across their networks. Rewarding creative, effective communications that connect with passengers and stakeholders.

Download your Entry Form Today

Why should you attend the Global Light Rail Awards?

Known for their commitment to rewarding innovation and achievement from every corner of the industry, these light rail and urban transit 'Oscars' recognise everything from outstanding individual contributions by those on the front line, to major engineering achievements on some the world's biggest mega-projects.

A mark of excellence for authorities, operators and suppliers, the Global Light Rail Awards offer your organisation the chance to be honoured amongst your peers across a range of categories which celebrate the passion and dedication which makes our sector so special.

Connect, network and build relationships with the very best in the global light rail spectrum....

The Global Light Rail Awards is THE vehicle in which to celebrate your success within the light and urban rail industries.

As the only awards dedicated to light rail in the world, there is no better place to make new connections, showcase your successes and mix with the cream of the global light rail sector.

The Global Light Rail Awards are the ONLY awards dedicated to recognising achievement, innovation and excellence across the light rail and urban transit sector, the Global Light Rail Awards in 2025 once again played host to the brightest and the best of the LRT sector.

In 2025 we saw over 100 entries from 16 countries submitted to be considered for our awards and, as our judges commented again this year, 'you do not make it any easier'.

Featuring over 15 categories, this prestigious award is recognised as a mark of excellence across the entire sector.

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Want to support the Global Light Rail Awards 2026?

Interested in showcasing your brand to an audience of key decision-makers, manufacturers and innovators? Contact Matt at matt@mainspring.co.uk to explore the ways we can help you bring your brand to the forefront of the conversation!