South Yorkshire receives government grant for tram-train project

Date: 24/3/2011

Tram-trains could soon be commonplace in South Yorkshire, where a project to introduce them has received a £150,000 funding boost from a government grant.

According to the Department for Transport, passengers travelling between Sheffield and Rotherham could enjoy a faster journey time if they use the vehicles, which are designed to operate on tram tracks and existing railway lines.

This lightweight form of public transport has already been successfully introduced in parts of Germany and the Netherlands, while the engines are designed to be more energy-efficient with faster acceleration than their traditional counterparts.

Potentially, this can mean that the frequency of maintenance work that needs carrying out on the vehicles can be lowered.

The money will be given to Northern Rail, Network Rail and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive in order to further the pilot project.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: "Tram-trains offer passengers travelling from rural and suburban areas into city centres a viable, environmentally sound alternative to short and medium car commuting that can cut congestion and reduce overcrowding at railway stations."

Meanwhile, business and civic leaders in Manchester have heard of the benefits high-speed rail could bring to the city, with Transport Minister Theresa Villiers telling them it can reduce journey times and increase train capacity.

Posted by Nick Anderson