TRAM TRAIN

Published 30 September 2018 at 11:00pm

The Tram Train pilot is testing the technology and operational challenges of running trams on the heavy rail network between Sheffield and Rotherham. Launched in October 2018 the pilot will run for two years, offering people and businesses in South Yorkshire a new public transport option between two major hubs in the region. 

The Tram Train pilot links heavy and light rail infrastructure, systems and operations together for the first time in the UK. South Yorkshire’s Tram Trains are designed to run on both the Stagecoach Supertram system and the National Rail network. This pilot will help the rail industry to understand and assess the technical issues involved with planning and operating a Tram Train service; learning which will be shared to help determine whether Tram Trains can run in other parts of the country.  

SYPTE is the lead delivery partner for all work streams, apart from the Heavy Rail element of the project. It was awarded £51 million from the Department for Transport to construct and then operate the two-year pilot, with project partners Network Rail, Northern Rail and Stagecoach Supertram.

In October 2019, the Tram Train scheme won a prestigious Global Light Rail Award for 'Team of the Year' and was Highly Commended in 'Project of the Year' category.