Tram train potential examined by GMPTE
The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive has recently carried out some research into the potential of tram train operation.
A report on this research will be presented to the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority’s Policy and Resources committee on Friday.
The report states that should the present government continue the policy of the previous one and develop a policy of not ordering new diesel powered vehicles, it is not clear that the present heavy rail electrification programme alone can provide enough stock to resource future services. An issue that could become acute post 2019, when the last class 142s will have to be withdrawn. It goes on to state that trams typically generate much higher demand and social benefits on previously poor performing urban rail routes.
A conclusion of the report is that Manchester is an ideal location for tram train technology as the city’s well established Metrolink network means that it can be augmented without a huge start up investment.
The first tram train system in the UK is to be in South Yorkshire. This involves constructing a new connection from the Sheffield Supertram system at Meadowhall onto a heavy rail line. This is scheduled for completion in 2013, but it is hoped to be ready before then.
GMPTE say it has no immediate plans for a tram train project and view it more as a possible long-term solution.
A freightliner service heads into Stockport. This is one of the busiest stretches of track in Greater Manchester. Picture: www.upmain.com
Manchester to Chester via Northwitch would be ideal for tram trains.
given metrolink already has full height platforms. all that would be required infastructure wise would be the removal of the buffer stops at Altringham platform 2 and some new pointwork connecting this to the existing platform 3 and 4 lines along with relavant signaling (ok the whole of Altringham station would probably end up being resignaled but compared to other schemes it would be comparatively cheap)
As for the rolling stock, the basic tram train format with underfloor diesel electric engines powering the normal traction motors would work fine….
add the capability for retractable third rail shoes to be retrofitted and you get something that could run on from Chester onto the Mersyrail network