Green light for tram-train pilot
18 May 2012
The Department for Transport has given the final approval for the £58m tram-train pilot project in the north of England.
Transport minister Norman Baker has signed off on the project, which will see “revolutionary” tram-train vehicles built and delivered to run between Sheffield and Rotherham.The tram-train concept will see new trains developed that can run on both light and heavy rail lines, enabling them to reach both suburbs and city centres.
“Tram-trains have already proven hugely popular on the Continent,” said Baker. “Now we will be able to test whether they can bridge the gap between tram and train networks in this country.”
Ministers first backed the tram-train concept in September last year, when a Department for Transport report pointed out several authorities were already looking at the concept.
