|
Innovative 'tram-trains' to be trailed in Yorkshire An innovative form of public transport called a 'tram-train' is to be trailed for the first time in the UK on a growing railway route in Yorkshire. Five new tram-trains, which can run on both railway tracks and tram lines, will replace conventional trains currently used on the 37-mile Penistone Line between Huddersfield, Barnsley and Sheffield. Tram-trains are lighter and greener than conventional trains. They use less fuel and weigh less which reduces wear and tear on tracks therefore decreasing the need for disruptive maintenance works. Tram-trains have faster acceleration and deceleration rates so they can also offer passengers better journey times. The trial, which starts in 2010 and will take two years, will look at the environmental benefits, operating costs and technical suitability of the tram-trains as well as testing how popular the vehicles are with passengers on the route. There is also an option for a second phase which would test the vehicles on the Sheffield Supertram system to see what additional benefits the vehicles can deliver when extended onto city centre tram lines. The project is a partnership between the Department for Transport, the train operator Northern Rail and rail infrastructure owner Network Rail and seeks to establish whether tram-trains similar to those operating successfully in Europe are suitable for Britain's railway network. Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly, said: "Tram-trains will bring quicker journeys and offer a greener travel option for passengers in Yorkshire. "This trial, the first in Britain, could herald the start of a new era in public transport. Passenger feedback is a vital ingredient in determining the success of the trial and I look forward to hearing what the people of Yorkshire think about the comfort and reliability of tram-trains." "We are very excited to be involved in testing this new form of public transport, which will mean higher levels of comfort and a faster journey for our customers on the Penistone Line. "This is a great opportunity for us to develop our network and attract more people to use public transport in this part of Yorkshire." "This trial gives us a fantastic opportunity to see whether the types of technologies used in Europe can be adapted for use on our systems. We expect the lighter vehicles will result in less wear on the infrastructure - extending its lifespan, improve journey times and give the option of running future commuter services closer into city centres. "We want to use the trial to get evidence about the practicalities of the tram-trains and assess how beneficial they will be to the UK. "The partnership between Network Rail, the DfT and Northern Rail ensures that the needs of passengers, operators, the infrastructure operator and the local and wider community are all represented." The Penistone Line, one of the most successful Community Rail Partnerships, has been chosen for the trial because it offers the chance to test the tram-trains on a route that in part is for passenger trains only and in part for passenger and freight trains. A possible phase two of the trial will offer the potential for testing the tram-trains on the Sheffield Supertram. Notes to Editors 1. The Penistone Line is 37 miles long, has 17 stations and is used by 1.2 million passengers every year 2. Northern operates one service per hour in each direction on the route 3. Passenger Focus will lead on undertaking research into passenger perception of tram train. Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
|
Creative Train Artwork unveiled Artwork developed last summer by young people travelling in the Penistone Line's Creative Train was unveiled at Shepley and Penistone Stations on Friday 15th Feb 2008. At Shepley, South Pennines Rail Partnership officer Rowena Chantler told guests from Northern Rail, the press and communities along the line about the project. This came from a suggestion from Northern Rail conductor Jonathan Carter after an event that took place at Huddersfield Station Gala in May 2007. The project involved accompanying young people on Penistone line trains during the summer holidays and encouraging them to draw images inspired by their journey. The project wes coordinated by Rowena Chantler and undertaken by local photographer Nicki Taylor. At Shepley the artwork was unveiled by Northern Rail Stakeholder manager Drew Haley and at Penistone by Barnsley East MP Michael Clapham and Penistone Mayor Joe Unsworth, who also presented copies of the work to the young artists.
Left:- Michael Clapham MP and Penistone Mayor Joe Unworth present copies of the artwork to the young artists Right:- Rowena Chantler and Nicki Taylor 'help' with the instillation
|
Northern Rail Launch South Pennines Day Ranger Northern Rail have launch on the 2nd January 2008 a new rover type ticket that covers all of the Penistone Line for the first time.
The new ticket costs £13.00 and there are further discounts for railcard holders. Please note:- Still available are Metro's West Yorkshire Day Rover ticket and South Yorkshire PTE's Day Travelmaster ticket which in their various types cover travel on all public transport in their respective county's. Details can be found on the respective websites via our links page |
Planned Engineering work on the Penistone Line Sunday 27th April and 4th May There will be no rail access to Sheffield station from the Meadowhall direction due to major trackwork renewals at the north end of Sheffield station throughout the Easter weekend Northern trains will be affected as will First TransPennine Express, CrossCountry and East Midlands Trains.
|
