[2] From 1938 until 2007 the magazine was published by the Light Railway Transport League or, after a change of name in 1979, the Light Rail Transit Association (LRTA), but starting in 1962 publication was jointly by that body and Ian Allan Limited, which partnership allowed the magazine to be carried at bookshops and other trade outlets.

[4] The editors of the annual reference book, Jane’s Urban Transport Systems (JUTS), have used TAUT or its predecessor, Modern Tramway, as the principal data source for keeping up-to-date JUTS’ annotated worldwide list of all "Urban Tram and Light Rail Systems", and have done so for more than 25 years.

[5][6] The magazine has also been an important source of news and information on European tram developments for transport writers in the United States.

From 1962 the word "The" was dropped, and a title extension—in smaller letters and not used in abbreviations of the magazine's name—was added, changing slightly a few times over the next 30 years, as shown below.

While content has varied over the years, each issue typically includes two to four feature articles, describing a particular tram or light rail system, manufacturer or related topic; news sections for international, UK and museum or heritage tram news; editorial content, and a letters section.