Light Rail, Tram-Train & Tram news from Britain
Four further Light Rail/TramAi??announcements this week from Britain;
First UK tram-train plan on track for Sheffield
BBC 24th March
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-12844983
PlansAi??Ai??to make Sheffield the first city in the UK to get a state-of-the-art
“tram-train” service are on track after A?150,000 was granted to theAi??Ai??project.
The continental-style carriages, which operate on both tramAi??Ai??tracks and existing
railways, could run between Sheffield and RotherhamAi??Ai??from 2014.
The idea is to cut journey times and make it easier for people to get into city
centres, reducing car commutes.
The Department for Transport said the next stage of the project is under way.
Tram-trains are described as lighter, more energy efficient,Ai??Ai??with faster
acceleration and deceleration than conventional trains,Ai??Ai??making them greener and
potentially cutting down on the need forAi??Ai??maintenance works.’Exciting project’
Mayor announces shortlisted bidders for additional trams in Croydon
TfL Press release 24th March
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/19601.aspx
Mayor of London Boris Johnson today announced the shortlisted bidders to supply Transport for London (TfL) with up to ten more trams, which will increase services on the Tramlink network.Ai??
The three bidders, City of Edinburgh/CAF, Stadler (Stadler Pankow GmBH) and Pesa (Pojazdy Szynowe PESA Bydgoszcz S.A.Holding) will now be invited to submit proposals to supply the additional trams which would increase the frequency of services on the busiest parts of the network between Therapia Lane, central Croydon and Elmers End.
Tram extension scheme given go-ahead by Government
Nottingham Evening Post 24th March
THE Government has today confirmed that Nottingham City Council has found enough savings for Phase 2 of the tram system to go ahead.
The plans were given the green light by the Government when Transport Minister Norman Baker today after enough savings were identified to make the project more affordable.
The two extensions are planned to go to Chilwell/Beeston and Clifton, linking directly into Line One at Nottingham Station.
Today’s decision will now allow Nottingham City Council to continue to the next stage of the funding approval process.
Ai??
Blackpool explores tram extensions
TransportXtra 25th March
http://www.transportxtra.com/magazines/local_transport_today/news/?id=26146
Ai??Blackpool Borough Council is exploring options to extend its tramway system.
Paul Grocott, Blackpoolai??i??s programme manager for the existing tramway upgrade, said the Fylde Coast transport project was examining how to integrate the tram with other transport infrastructure ai???in the town and beyondai???.
Options under investigation include extending the tram lines to serve Blackpool North railway station and Blackpool Airport, as well as the potential of tram-train technology to make use of the heavy rail lines out of either Blackpool North or Blackpool South railway stations.
