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Trams: Construction

Asked by Liam ByrneLabourDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 6 July 2026UIN 12633

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average cost per mile has been for tram extensions completed in England since 2015.

Answered by Simon Lightwood

The costs per mile for new local transport infrastructure in England can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including specific project conditions and requirements, geography, urban density, and land values.

Responsibility for light rail is devolved in England, where each local authority is responsible for the operations and financial sustainability of its network. This includes for upgrades and any potential extensions to existing systems.

The Government recognises that mass transit systems, including light rail, are among the most complex of local transport interventions, which is why an independent Mass Transit Taskforce has been established to help city regions deliver mass transit schemes faster, at lower cost, and with greater confidence.

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