Nordic Light Rail Association
Nordic Light Rail Prize goes to Ali Huttunen
NLRA – Nordic Light Rail Association calls for the annual meeting (general assembly) 2024
on Sunday, 26th May at 18:00 in Tampere/Finland. Meeting room at ILVES hotel Tampere
you can join the meeting via zoom, remember Finish time!
us02web.zoom.us/j/81106531264
Agenda
- Election of meeting leader (ordstyrer)
- Election of voice counters.
- Election of referent
- Board’s/Chairman's report
- Approval of accounts
- Consideration of proposals
No proposals received. - Determination of membership fee
No changes to membership fees planed. - Election of members and alternative members to the Board.
Stephan Marstrander and Bernd Reuss stand to election for the board for 2 years. These candidates are ready to accept a place on the board. - Election of auditor and alternate auditor. Auditors don’t have to be members of the association.
- Optionally.
Chairman’s Report
As in the previous year, the NLRA did not sponsor any scholars in 2023 (no applications), nor was there a Study Trip. However, we successfully continued our Webinar program, expertly led by Anastasiia. Unfortunately, due to illness, Anastasiia will not be returning to her role, which impacts the NLRA too. Consequently, I have had to recruit a new accountant, and the responsibility for the upcoming webinar program has reverted to me.
One of our persistent challenges remains the chairman’s workload. The association's income does not allow for hiring an employee, while the workload continues to increase. Over the past few years, the NLRA has seen growing activities and greater success. We now face a period where certain activities will no longer be possible due to a lack of manpower — unless you can help us. Working for the NLRA is not a hobby like stamp collecting; it is a serious commitment. Can you approach your manager and ask if you can take on one of the following tasks during working hours? Managers, could you assign one of your team members to assist with these tasks for the NLRA? Without distributing the workload more broadly, our level of activity will decline, despite the need for more working groups.
Webinar Program
Could you organise our webinar program? This task can be done remotely, no matter where you are based. We have ideas and some interested parties, but someone needs to coordinate and schedule these events. I can assist you with the technical aspects.
Light Rail Study Trip
Could you organise a Light Rail Study Trip (2 or 3 days)? This would involve arranging overnight stays, transport between points of interest, and appointments with local partners like tramway operators.
Secretary for Working Groups
Could you serve as a secretary for one of our Working Groups? This role requires approximately 40 hours to prepare and organise a meeting. With two meetings a year, plus attendance, it amounts to about three weeks of work annually. The NLRA can compensate for the hours, though perhaps not at standard salary levels. You will receive support to establish the group.
We initiated the Working Group “Ice on Overhead Catenary and Energy Consumption” in summer 2023, with meetings in Aarhus Letbane and later in Frankfurt, Germany.
The NLRA was established to foster better collaboration among Nordic tramways, and these Working Groups are essential. We would also benefit from improved collaboration with the VDV—Association of German Transport Companies, which possesses substantial technical knowledge and representation in Brussels at EU institutions. Unfortunately, this partnership has yet to formalise.
As I write, we are dealing with an issue with our bank. Fees have increased significantly, and the service has deteriorated to the point where we can no longer make international money transfers. For an international association like ours, this necessitates finding a new bank. This is complicated as board members must verify their identities with the new bank, especially if they reside in various Nordic countries. The chairman is already overwhelmed with administrative tasks, which is also why membership invoices have not yet been sent.
The chairman is also lagging in organising board meetings, preparing Working Groups, serving as secretary for webinars, fostering collaboration with the VDV, seeking better support for the NLRA from all Nordic Tramways, commissioning the Nordic Light Rail Prize medal, reconciling diverse interests in selecting the next “Nordic Light Rail Prize” recipient, liaising with accountants and event venues, updating the website, and ensuring compliance with our bylaws. This list is not exhaustive. In short, if no one helps, the NLRA will have to significantly reduce its activities.
Nordic Light Rail Prize
The Nordic Light Rail Prize remains one of the most prestigious awards in the tramway sector worldwide. Last year, we honoured Reinhold Schröter from Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen, who significantly contributed to the development of Nordic Tramways, especially in Bergen, Norway. This year, we will honour Mr. Ali Huttunen during “Light Rail Day” in Tampere, Finland, for his lifetime achievements in the sector. Let us not forget the individuals and organisations that have advanced light rail. Despite our challenges, celebrating these achievements is essential. We will continue to award the “Nordic Light Rail Prize.”
If you can assist, please contact me.
Copenhagen, 20th May 2024
Bernd
The NLRA are thrilled to announce the recipient of the
Nordic Light Rail Prize in 2nd Degree
– Mr. Ali Huttunen from Tampere, Finland.
This prestigious award is a testament to his lifelong dedication and contribution to tram systems, with a special focus on the Tampere tram vehicle project. Ali has been a driving force in shaping the future possibilities of the tram vehicle industry.
Join us in celebrating Ali's outstanding achievements as we present the Nordic Light Rail Prize in Tampere, Finland, during the Networking Dinner at the "Light Rail Day" conference on May 27, 2024. Surrounded by friends and colleagues from the industry, Ali will receive this well-deserved recognition. The Laudation will be delivered by Mr. Ville-Mikael Tuominen, the Development Director of Tampere Tramway. Save the date for an evening of honor and acknowledgment as we applaud Ali Huttunen for his remarkable contributions to the advancement of tram systems.
Bernd Reuß, chairman
Our Webinar program starts again in autumn 2024.
Bernd Reuß, Chairman
Become a member!
Nordic Light Rail Association - networking and information
Support Tramway and public transport in the Nordic Countries
Join the annual “NLRA Networking Meeting”
We award the “Nordic Light Rail Price”
Support our scholarships + mentor program for young people, working with Light Rail projects (LRT) in the Nordics
Get articles and news from the Tramway and public Transport World
The NLRA gives public transport a voice – join us today
