SHEFFIELD ~ Class 399 SuperTram Trials

The UKs first Class 399 Tram-Train is now on trial in Sheffield, to enter full passenger service by 2016 on the SuperTram network!


A tram-train is slightly different to a normal tram, as it's able to also operate on the general National Rail Network too. This means that, once complete, customers will be able to make a single journey between tram stops and national rail stations. Convenient!

The first stage of the project was the production of this trial-train, 399201. It arrived approximately 2 weeks ago, from Valencia, Spain. We reported its arrival here. In total, seven Class 399s (399201-207) will be constructed by Vossloh.
 
Once trials are complete, three tram-trains an hour will run between Sheffield Cathedral and Meadowhall South. This is followed by the connection of the tram tracks to mainline routes (by Spring 2016), so the fleet will then be able to continue onto Tinsley Chord (to be built) and Rotherham Central Station by 2017. 

Stagecoach Supertram Managing Director, Margaret Kay, said: "We are delighted to welcome the first tram train to the Nunnery Square depot. It's exciting to see this new state of the art vehicle in its new home. We very much look forward to inviting our customers onboard next year so they can begin benefitting from this great addition. In the meantime we will continue to train our new drivers and test the new vehicle at both the depot and across the network." 

Transport Minister Andrew Jones, said: “The unveiling of the UK’s first Tram Train is a major milestone and paves the way for an impressive new fleet of passenger vehicles to come into service from next year. Good strategic transport links and infrastructure are central to rebalancing the economy, bringing the country closer together and the success of the Northern Powerhouse.”

In Summary:
  • December 2015: Tram Train vehicle testing begins;
  • January 2016: Supertram tracks prepared for Tram Train;
  • Spring 2016: Construction of track to link tram network to train line;
  • Summer 2016: Three Tram Trains introduced on the Supertram route;
  • Autumn 2016: New platforms built at Rotherham Station and Parkgate;
  • Winter 2016: Completion and electrification of the Tram Train network;
  • Early 2017: Tram Train passenger services begin on entire route. 

I personally look forward to bringing you further updates on this project, which is both great to transport connections as well as the general economy. In the meantime, more information on this project can be found at sypte.co.uk/tramtrain

Lastly, whilst on the topic of the Sheffield Superteam, unit number 120 has returned back into service. This follows maintenance.

Andy's here tomorrow for some general updates, including news regarding Storm Desmond, the London Midland franchise and also the Abellio Greater Anglia Santa Train! ^Harry and ^Lewis
Regards:

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