Connecting communities. Transforming cities.

Light rail is more than transit - it’s city-shaping infrastructure that connects people, cuts emissions, and revitalises urban spaces. Through integrated planning, sustainable design, and active community engagement, we can build resilient future-ready systems for long-term growth.

Aerial urban view above the German autumn street full of life with yellow trees squeezing between asphalt, city trams passing each other and people taking a walk or shopping. Mannheim, Germany.

Revitalising cities with light rail

As cities continue to grow and sustainability challenges intensify, urban areas face mounting pressures. In the quest to develop resilient, future-ready cities, light rail is increasingly seen as a catalyst for revitalising urban areas. Over 400 cities globally benefit from light rail systems, which provide high capacity, space efficient mobility. Studies show tramways often contribute to economic prosperity by increasing the value of nearby property. Light rail not only improves accessibility and connectivity between neighbourhoods.

It also helps cities meet their sustainability goals by producing no local air pollution and dramatically cutting carbon emissions when powered by renewables. With proven expertise in light rail and urban renewal, we help cities navigate the complexity of integrating tram networks into dense environments and in creating lasting value for the communities they serve. Let’s shape future-ready cities that redefine how we live, move, and connect.

: €1 → 3

Every Euro invested in public transport yields three Euros for the economy (ZNV, 2025)

Light rail success factors

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Get an overview of practical considerations and actions for the successful planning, delivery, and operation of light rail schemes.

Download guide Light rail success factors
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Reasons to accelerate light rail expansion

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    It’s electric. Zero local emissions

    Electrically powered light rail systems can be equipped to run exclusively on renewable energy sources, thereby lightening the city’s carbon footprint.

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    High capacity and space efficiency

    Light rail is highly scalable to local capacity needs and generally provides a high quality as well as capacity compared to buses and a real alternative to the private car.

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    Enabler for urban growth

    Light rail and metro projects around the world have shown that permanent rail-based infrastructure potentially attracts long-term investments and influences patterns of settlement in a fundamental way.

Rail pro­jects

Multidisciplinary full lifecycle consultancy - global knowledge, local experts

Ramboll has supported numerous light rail schemes in cities such as Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm, and Kiel. We cover all aspects of infrastructure, systems, and rolling stock. We also support every stage from feasibility to design and maintenance. Our Light Rail Competence Centre provides a dedicated hub for experts to develop world-class urban mobility solutions. Curious to learn how peers have future-proofed their operations or how we can support you?

Explore our rail expertise

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Let’s close the gap on resilient societies

By re-thinking conditions for life in our cities, we can create liveable and resilient communities.

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