Tram-Train Concept to be Piloted in South Yorkshire as Extension to the Sheffield Supertram

Government approval for a new 400 metre length of track in Tinsley, Sheffield, means that work can now go ahead to complete UK's first tram-train project.

Specially built vehicles will run from Rotherham along an existing freight line to join the Sheffield Supertram network at Meadowhall. The seven tram-trains are being built by Vossloh Espana and can use two different types of electrical power supplies for the two different types of track.

New platforms at Rotherham and Parkgate are under construction at the moment and the electrification works should be completed by the end of the year. Services are expected to start in spring 2017.

This pilot project will cost £60 million and will last for 2 years. If successful it will become permanent. Other similar tram-train links are planned, one in Wolverhampton and a more ambitious scheme between Glasgow Airport, Piasley and Glasgow City.

Could this concept work on Hertfordshire's Abbey Line between Watford and St Albans?