What are Tram-trains?
Tram-trains are a hybrid of trams and trains that can run on existing railway lines and also on rails set into the highway and sharing the route with other road traffic.
This allows tram-trains, which are usually powered by overhead electric cables but can also be powered or by diesel engines, to travel between, into and around towns and cities.
Where could tram-trains be used in the Leeds City region?
The most likely first route for tram-trains would be along the Leeds, Harrogate and York rail line, with possible on-street extensions into the centres of Leeds and York, and new links to areas of growing employment and Leeds Bradford International Airport.
What are the main advantages of Tram-trains?
Because they are relatively lightweight vehicles, tram-trains can provide a more frequent service on existing rail lines than conventional ‘heavy rail’ trains.
Being lighter, tram-trains are less expensive and more economical to operate and they cause less wear and tear on the line itself.
Savings made on running them can be used to finance new routes into Leeds city centre and to construct a spur from the existing railway line near Horsforth to Leeds/Bradford International Airport.
When could we see tram-trains operating in Leeds?
Because tram-trains have not been used in the UK before, the Department for Transport and Network Rail wants to test them on a rail route before they are introduced anywhere permanently.
Metro is keen to have a close involvement with the test but would not want it to cause inconvenience for commuters on the busy Leeds, Harrogate, York line.
The Department for Transport and Network Rail have said it may be four years before they make a decision where tram-trains will be introduced, and this will depend on the outcome of the tests.
Where are tram-trains operating already?
Tram-Trains are being used in a number of European cities including,
Have you travelled on Tram-Trains abroad?
You can email us to tell us your experiences of travelling on tram-trains.
You can also email Metro for further information or any questions about tram-trains.
