Penistone on line to get country’s first tram-train

Mar 22 2008 by Steve Catchpool, Hudd Sat

AN innovative form of public transport called a ‘tram-train’ is to be trialled for the first time in the UK – on the Penistone Line.

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

Tram-trains are lighter and greener than conventional trains. They use less fuel and weigh less which reduces wear and tear on tracks therefore decreasing the need for disruptive maintenance works. Tram-trains have faster acceleration and deceleration rates so they can also offer passengers better journey times.

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. There is also an option for a second phase which would test the vehicles on the Sheffield Supertram system to see what additional benefits the vehicles can deliver when extended onto city centre tram lines.

The project is a partnership between the Department for Transport, the train operator Northern Rail and rail infrastructure owner Network Rail and seeks to establish whether tram-trains similar to those operating successfully in Europe are suitable for Britain’s railway network.

Northern Rail, which is owned by Serco-NedRailways, will run a competition for manufacturers to build the tram-trains, which Northern will lease, and Network Rail will spend £15m in track improvements and alterations to stations as part of the trial, significant funding in the route. DofT will contribute £9m to fund the operation of the trial and Northern will bring experience from Europe through Ned Railways who operate tram-trains in The Netherlands.

Announcing the trial project Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly said: “Tram-trains will bring quicker journeys and offer a greener travel option for passengers in Yorkshire.

“This trial – the first in Britain – could herald the start of a new era in public transport. Passenger feedback is a vital ingredient in determining the success of the trial and I look forward to hearing what the people of Yorkshire think about the comfort and reliability of tram-trains.”

Heidi Mottram, managing director of Northern Rail said: “We are very excited to be involved in testing this new form of public transport, which will mean higher levels of comfort and a faster journey for our customers on the Penistone Line.

“This is a great opportunity for us to develop our network and attract more people to use public transport in this part of Yorkshire.”

Iain Coucher, Network Rail’s chief executive, said: “This trial gives us a fantastic opportunity to see whether the types of technologies used in Europe can be adapted for use on our systems.Š

“We expect the lighter vehicles will result in less wear on the infrastructure - extending its lifespan –Šimprove journey times and give the option of running future commuter services closer into city centres.

“We want to use the trial to get evidence about the practicalities of the tram-trains and assess how beneficial they will be to the UK.

“The partnership betweenŠNetwork Rail, the DfT and Northern Rail ensures that the needs of passengers, operators, the infrastructure operator and the local and wider community are all represented.”