Cities compete for tram-train scheme

22 February 2008

Two northern cities have been shortlisted to run hybrid tram-trains which are proving a hit in Europe.

The Department for Transport is to announce within weeks whether Manchester or Sheffield is to be chosen for a two-year trial of the technology.

The purpose of the trial is to assess the potential benefits of trams running on the heavy rail network, which could result in less damage to tracks, a reduction in signalling costs, lighter vehicles which use less fuel, and the chance to run on the street in urban areas.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority chairman, Councillor Roger Jones, and officials David Leather and Keith Howcroft, together with Northern Rail managing director, Heidi Mottram, have met with the DfT team and say they are expecting a decision next month.

South Yorkshire PTA confirmed it was awaiting a decision, but declined to reveal any details of its proposals. It would take two years to build the revolutionary tram-trains, which means they could be running by 2010.

Greater Manchester ruled out the railway line between the city and Oldham, because plans to convert it for Metrolink light rail use were too advanced.

Another option put to the Government was the Mid-Cheshire line from Chester to Manchester, which could switch to Metrolink tracks at Altrincham. But that has been rejected by the Government because it wants to use ‘low-floor’ vehicles, and Metrolink’s stops are all the height of railway platforms.

Greater Manchester experts say the tram-trains could use the existing line as far as Ardwick, just outside the city, before transferring to a new section of line which would bypass Piccadilly station.

Councillor Jones said: ‘This would reduce congestion at Piccadilly and support what the Department for Transport has already agreed to do – freeing-up our rail network by improving the connections of the rest of the North with Manchester.’

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