The very first Tram-Train for the UK is on its way to Sheffield having left Spain this week \u2013 with arrival expected in South Yorkshire on 1st December (it\u2019s obviously taking the long route!). Built by Vossoloh seven of the vehicles are on order with four required for the Tram-Train service to Rotherham with the others due to increase capacity on the current Supertram network.<\/p>\n
The first vehicle left the Valencia works of Vossoloh and will travel across Spain to Santander where it will be loaded onto a ferry making the trip across to Southampton Docks. From here it will head on the road again \u2013 including the M1 \u2013 arriving in Sheffield at the start of next month. Photos released of the tram-train show that it is currently in plain blue with yellow doors and presumably once it has arrived in Sheffield it will have the remainder of its livery added.<\/p>\n
As has been reported previously on British Trams Online the Tram-Train pilot will see a connection built between the Supertram system and Network Rail metals close to Meadowhall South. The project has seen delays and is now expected to start operation in 2017.<\/p>\n
As well as the connection between the two existing lines (the construction of which was approved by the DfT earlier this month) other work which is required before trams can run through to Rotherham Parkgate includes the electrification of the railway line and the building of new platforms at both Rotherham Central and Parkgate.<\/p>\n
When the pilot is launched \u2013 for a minimum period of two years \u2013 three trams an hour will run between Cathedral and Parkgate with an expected journey time of 25 minutes.<\/p>\n
Once the tram-trains arrive in Sheffield they will undergo the usual comprehensive commissioning and mileage accumulation as seen on all new tram fleets across the UK. Three of the vehicles are due to enter service in summer 2016 on the existing network.<\/p>\n
Steve Edwards, SYPTE Executive Director, said: \u201cTram Train is a first for the UK. The design and planning to make Tram Trains run is a complex operation and we\u2019re delighted this important milestone brings us one step closer to making the scheme a reality. Tram Train will demonstrate the potential, both locally and nationally, of this new technology to deliver value for money services. It will provide a boost to the regional economy, thanks to improved connections across the region. And, if the pilot is successful, it opens the way for Tram Trains to be introduced in other parts of the country.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The very first Tram-Train for the UK is on its way to Sheffield having left Spain this week \u2013 with arrival expected in South Yorkshire on 1st December (it\u2019s obviously taking the long route!). Built by Vossoloh seven of the … Continue reading