The complexities of calculating the likely costs of new light rail systems has been put in the spotlight by Matthew Taylor of the UKTram Centre of Excellence in the latest edition of a leading sector publication.

In a feature article for the Tramways and Urban Transit, he says that easily available sources of information on the subject, and online data often used to calculate ‘cost by mile’ figures, can result in widely different estimates that even have the potential to put future projects at risk.

A qualified Quantity Surveyor, Matthew spends much of his time advising promoters and sponsors on the likely costs, risks and opportunities associated with light and very light rail projects.

In the extensive feature he proposes an approach that factors in five key cost drivers and urges scheme promoters to engage with the UKTram Centre of Excellence, which can offer advice on all matters related to light rail that’s based upon years of real-world experience.

You can read the full feature here