Sheffield to host tram-train experiment

19 March 2008
 
The Department for Transport has announced that a two-year trial of tram-train technology is to go to Sheffield rather than Manchester.

Five new tram-trains, which can run on both railway tracks and tram lines, will replace conventional trains currently used on the 37-mile Penistone line, between Huddersfield, Barnsley and Sheffield.

But there is still a chance that the hybrid tram-trains could be seen in Manchester – linking the city with Liverpool and Leeds.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority chairman, Councillor Roger Jones, said after the announcement: ‘We are obviously disappointed, but I’m pleased for Sheffield. My only worry is that these trials take such a long time. If we could find the money, I would love to see tram-trains running from Liverpool, through Manchester on our Metrolink tracks and out again to Leeds.’

The purpose of the trail is to assess the potential benefits of less damage to tracks, reduction in signalling costs, lighter vehicles which are faster and use less fuel, and the chance to run on the street in urban areas.

The trial, which starts in 2010 and will take two years, will look at the environmental benefits, operating costs and technical suitability of the tram-trains, as well as testing how popular the vehicles are with passengers on the route.

‘This trial, the first in Britain, could herald the start of a new era in public transport,’ predicted Kelly. The project also has support from Network Rail and Northern Rail, which will organise a manufacturers’ competition.

Other areas considering tram-trains include Blackpool, where there are proposals to extend the tramway along the railway to Blackpool Airport, and Preston and Teesside, where the Darlington-Saltburn line has been considered.

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