Network Rail to test trams

[class47]

TRAMS could be coming to York, after the continental vehicles impressed York transport bosses eager to beat congestion in our region.

A feasibility study has begun to see if tram-trains - which are less expensive and more economical than "heavy rail" trains - could be rolled out on the York to Harrogate rail line into Leeds.

Bosses also revealed that any such scheme could, in the long-term, provide a link between York and Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBIA).

Tram-trains use existing rail networks, but new alignments can enable them to run on street in to town and city centres.

In another development, Network Rail revealed it was aiming to conduct a trial of tram-train technology in the UK.

They are one of the elements of the £4.5bn 25-year Transport Vision drawn up by Metro for the Leeds City Region.

[Andy]

Sound good, but York to Harrogate line is single track. This means not been able to pass. There is also a hell of a lot of track to electify. But in the city, would be great!

[ashurstdave]

Good idea for UK. There is no reason why "light rail" trains could not run on street routes, although no doubt there would be no end of planning consultations to enable schemes to be built in this country - and alas a lot of money spent with such consultations. A good example of " failure " to act was the Re-Opening of the Fareham - Gosport railway to build a tunnel under the Harbour Entrance at Portsmouth and to run through the streets at Gosport and to Portsmouth City Centre. Huge sums of money was wasted all to no avail. Such a lack of vision for the future.

There are various places in Europe where trains use tracks in busy main roads in Cities - Switzerland have been doing such for many years - although the train to tram consept is generally " narrow or metre " gauges. Places that come to mind are Chur and Tirano.

It would great if the green light could be given to more rail re-openings and expansions.

[Andy]

yes it would, I just don't think it would be practical with the all OHL that would be needed.