The project that will see Tram Trains in use in South Yorkshire has taken a step forward over the Easter period. Passengers in South Yorkshire will be the first in the UK to ride on a Tram Train. Network Rail has been working on the track connection that will act as the physical link between the Supertram network and the more traditional rail network has been installed in Tinsley. This step forward is groundbreaking for the UK rail network.

The junction that has been installed in unique to the concept of the Tram Train. The junction will be the start of the new section of track that will be called the Tinsley Chord. The track will cover 400m and is expected to allow services to travel between Sheffield and Rotherham from next year.

There is still a long way to go on the project, but this big leap forward will allow Network Rail to work with their partners in order to deliver the completed service. The Tram route will go from Sheffield city centre to Rotherham Central and Parkgate. The track that was completed is a significant milestone for the project that has been planned over the past years.

The Train Tram pilot is being delivered by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive as well as Network Rail, Stagecoach Supertram, Arriva Rail North and the Department for Transport. The pilot scheme will be running for two years and will continue as a local service if it is a success. The Tram Train service will help the people of Sheffield and Rotherham travel around the area and will act as an extra transport link in order to improve the connections between businesses in the tow areas. It is hoped that the Tram service will improve services locally as well as nationally. It is thought that the project will lead to the creation of 35 jobs for the area.