Tram-train trial

A tram-train will carry passengers on the national network for the first time as Sheffield begins two-year tram-train trial.

A tram-train should carry passengers on the national rail network for the first time on October 25.

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) confirmed to RAIL that the vehicles will run between Sheffield and Rotherham.

“The pioneering pilot has the ability to transform travel both locally and nationally. Connecting the people and places in Sheffield and Rotherham marks the start of this journey. We hope passengers from the local area and beyond enjoy the benefits this new transport option will provide,” said SYPTE Tram Train Project Board Member Steve Davenport.

Three trains per hour will run from Sheffield Cathedral to Meadowhall South, before using the new 160-metre Tinsley Chord to link to the national network, and run to Parkgate Retail Centre via Rotherham Central.

The trial will run for two years, with customer satisfaction, passenger numbers, reliability and costs assessed. SYPTE said the core objectives of the trial are: ■ To understand the changes to industry costs of operating a lighter-weight vehicle with track brakes on the national rail network. ■ To determine changes to the technical standards required to allow inter-running of lightweight tram vehicles with heavy rail passenger and freight traffic, and to gain the maximum cost benefit from tram-train operation. The practicality of operational issues and expanding onto the national network will also be assessed.