The tram shortage being suffered on Stagecoach Supertram has abated slightly with the return of the “new” 120 into service after the completion of repairs following the collision at Shalesmoor in October. The re-entry into service of 120 means that the Purple route has returned to use on weekdays although it is still only going to be running between Herdings Park and Cathedral for a while yet.
The “new” 120 features two thirds of the “old” 120 (one end and the centre section) with the other end being from 118, which was the other tram involved in the collision. 120 was cleared for a return to service after a series of successful test runs on Wednesday 9th December and as expected the whole tram is in the Sheffield Corporation Tramways commemorative livery.
With 120 back in the operating fleet the Purple route – which had only been abandoned during the day on Mondays-Saturdays at the start of this week – is back in operation. This means that Purple route trams will run between Herdings Park and Cathedral on Mondays to Saturdays with the full service through to Meadowhall continuing to run on Sundays.
It is expected these changes to the Purple route will continue to be in operation until 118 has been repaired and returned to service – this tram still remains under attention with no date for a re-entry into service yet known.
On 1st December the two sections of 118 and one of 120 which were more damaged in the collision were still under attention at Nunnery Square Depot. Previous reports that these sections would go to Derby appear to be wrong. (Both Photographs by Stuart Cooke)