A tram-train is a light-rail public transport system where trams run through from an urban tramway network to main-line railway lines which are shared with conventional trains. This combines the tram's flexibility and accessibility with a train's greater speed, and bridges the distance between a main railway stations and a city centre.
There is also a train-tram, which is a train modified to also run on tramlines. Generally, the tram-train and train-tram are interchangeable, although a train-tram is based on a train design modified to also run as a tram and a tram-train is based on a tram design modified to also run on a train line.
The tram-train concept was pioneered with the Karlsruhe model in Germany, and has since been adopted on projects such as the RijnGouweLijn in the Netherlands, at Mulhouse in France and in Kassel and Saarbrücken in Germany.
The tram-train is a type of interurban, according to George W. Hilton and John F. Due's definition.
Most tram-trains are standard gauge, which facilitates sharing track with main-line trains. Exceptions include Alicante Tram and Nordhausen which are metre gauge, and the 950 mm gauge Sassari Tram-train.
Tram-train vehicles are dual-equipped to suit the needs of both tram and train operating modes, with support for multiple electrification voltages if required and safety equipment such as train stops and other railway signalling equipment. The Karlsruhe and Saarbrücken systems use ‘PZB’ or ‘Indusi’ automatic train protection, so that if the driver passes a signal at stop the emergency brakes are applied.
The idea is not new: in the early 20th century, interurban streetcar lines often operated on the same tracks as steam trains, until crash standards prevented track sharing. In 1924, in Hobart, Tasmania, sharing of tracks between tram and train was proposed.
The difference between modern tram-trains and the older interurbans and radial railways is that tram-trains are built to meet mainline railway standards, rather than ignoring them. An exception is the USA's River Line in New Jersey which runs along freight tracks with time separation: passenger trains run by day, and freight by night.
A two-year tram-train pilot project is to be undertaken between Sheffield and Rotherham for service from 2015. If the trial proves successful, similar schemes could be rolled out across the UK.
In March 2008 the UK Department for Transport had released details of a plan to trial diesel tram-trains on the Penistone Line for two years starting in 2010. There was no commitment to connect them to the Sheffield tram network, and in September 2009 the idea was withdrawn as it was deemed not economically viable for a trial due to the cost of the extra development required for the diesel engines to meet the forthcoming stringent EU emission regulations. Instead single-voltage electric tram-trains will be trialled between Rotherham and Sheffield.
A tram-train trial in the Manchester area was ruled out as the Department for Transport wanted to try low-floor tram-trains, whereas Manchester Metrolink cars have high floors.
In August 2009 the Liverpool Daily Post reported that a new Merseyrail tram-train link to Liverpool John Lennon Airport was under consideration. The Merseyrail Northern Line and the City Line between Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool South Parkway were being assessed. From South Parkway the tram-trains would transfer seamlessly to a new tramway. A link from Edge Hill in the east of the city to the Arena at Kings Dock near the city centre was also being considered.
Other suggested schemes for England include:
Models of tram designed for tram-train operation include:
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