Tram-trains will continue running in South Yorkshire beyond the end of the two-year trial period, with the Government believing it could act as an inspiration for similar schemes elsewhere.
More than 1.5 million passengers have travelled on the Sheffield Supertram tram-trains that serve Rotherham Central, sharing infrastructure with Network Rail, since they began running on October 25 2018.
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris claimed the scheme had transformed public connections in the region. He highlighted the £125 million Department for Transport funding in the project.
According to South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), more than ten transport authorities want their own tram-train systems in cities including Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow. Tram-trains are already on order for Transport for Wales, to operate into Cardiff Bay.
“Our region is leading the way for tram-train learning and application in the industry,” said SYPTE Executive Director Stephen Edwards.
- For the FULL story, read RAIL 919, published on November 18, and available digitally from November 14.
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Dan Sellers - 10/12/2020 16:30
I think Manchester would suit tram train operation as the Metrolink originally started with ex BR lines (Altrincham - Bury) with higher than normal platforms in the city centre / new build sections. I feel that Metrolink will encourage regeneration of the run down inner city areas such as around Ardwick and Pomona but this hasn't happened in the ex steelworks corridor in Sheffield - Rotherham. Stocksbridge (former Great Central Main Line north of Sheffield) would also suit tram-train operation as this uses an existing freight line and would encourage regeneration of the most neglected / derelict / run-down deprived area of Sheffield from the Wicker right out to Stocksbridge. Tram trains could also be extended to / from Rotherham to Doncaster and reopen the Cudworth line, as well as a new park & ride at Parkgate and serve the Tinsley industrial estate in the former railway yard / steelworks area.