It was in August 2015 that I had been researching whether a website or smartphone app was available for Tram Spotters which allowed users keep a record of trams that they had seen or ridden on. I couldn't find anything. This is when I had the idea to create my own website. I bounced the idea off a good friend (and fellow enthusiast) of mine and the rest, as they say, is history.
The first version of the website was very basic and only included Manchester's Metrolink Trams, but as I had been visiting Blackpool quite regularly and travelling on their tramway, it soon occurred to me that the website app could be adapted for other networks not only in the UK but possibly worldwide. A more complex version of the website evolved which we have been developing and testing over the last 12 months. As of October 2026 there are 130 networks from 39 countries programmed in. I am adding other networks as time permits, at the current count there are over 280 tramway networks over 30 countries in Europe, so quite a mammoth task ahead.
The spotting website is subscription based, costing just under £12 per year (less than 25 pence per week). As well as the ability to record "Spots" and "Rides", there are links to network operators websites. There is also the option for users to upload photos of the trams which are viewable to all subscribers. This also includes a central resource for Network Maps for all the tramway systems featured in the website, as well as tips for good Spotting / Photographing Locations, Depot locations.
As of October 2026, I am currently re-developing a brand new spotting website, based on the existing one, but with more up-to-date coding, a fresher feel, but also keeping the simplicity of the original website, without changing the look too much, I still want the new website to be recognisable.
I am based in Stalybridge (just to the east of Manchester) and I used to regularly ride the original Manchester T68 Metrolink Trams since they were introduced in 1992. Although not an avid enthusiast at the time, I have since been bitten by the bug, probably due to my father who has been a keen tram enthusiast for as long as I can remember.
Phil Steels
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The first version of the website was very basic and only included Manchester's Metrolink Trams, but as I had been visiting Blackpool quite regularly and travelling on their tramway, it soon occurred to me that the website app could be adapted for other networks not only in the UK but possibly worldwide. A more complex version of the website evolved which we have been developing and testing over the last 12 months. As of October 2026 there are 130 networks from 39 countries programmed in. I am adding other networks as time permits, at the current count there are over 280 tramway networks over 30 countries in Europe, so quite a mammoth task ahead.
The spotting website is subscription based, costing just under £12 per year (less than 25 pence per week). As well as the ability to record "Spots" and "Rides", there are links to network operators websites. There is also the option for users to upload photos of the trams which are viewable to all subscribers. This also includes a central resource for Network Maps for all the tramway systems featured in the website, as well as tips for good Spotting / Photographing Locations, Depot locations.
As of October 2026, I am currently re-developing a brand new spotting website, based on the existing one, but with more up-to-date coding, a fresher feel, but also keeping the simplicity of the original website, without changing the look too much, I still want the new website to be recognisable.
I am based in Stalybridge (just to the east of Manchester) and I used to regularly ride the original Manchester T68 Metrolink Trams since they were introduced in 1992. Although not an avid enthusiast at the time, I have since been bitten by the bug, probably due to my father who has been a keen tram enthusiast for as long as I can remember.
Phil Steels
Website Screenshots
App Screenshots
Please click here to read the terms & conditions and privacy statement