This section provides detailed information about the talk to help attendees understand what to expect.
ONLINE TALK — TUESDAY 28 APRIL 2026 - 7.30 pm.
THE RIGHT ROUTE AND FORECASTING PATRONAGE - Professor Lewis Lesley
How do you predict how many people will use a new tram line — and why do even experts so often get it wrong?
Professor Lesley will explain the established methods for forecasting tram patronage, the models used in practice, and the common pitfalls that lead to over- or under-estimates.
He will also address a question that goes to the heart of UK tram policy: many British tram routes have been chosen for political reasons rather than on the basis of where a tram would do most good. Professor Lesley will set out the correct methodology for route selection — one that maximises economic regeneration, modal shift from car, and long-term patronage.
This talk follows Professor Lesley's highly praised presentation on self-funding trams (March 2026).
All welcome.
Attending on-line - If you would like to attend please fill in this form and we will send the Jitsi ( like Zoom) link
This event is free
Organised by the West of England Transport Association (WETA) and the Light Rail Transit Association (LRTA).
David Andrews C. Eng
Chair LRTA Campaigns
Chair, WETA West of England Transport Association
Claverton Energy Group
tyningroad@gmail.com
Contact us at tyningroad@gmail.com