THE CLASS 399 Citylink tram-train was due to carry its first passengers on Sheffield’s Supertram network in mid-September, shortly after this issue of Modern Railways went to press.
Seven vehicles have been built by Stadler for the system, with three due to operate on the existing Supertram network and others to operate the new tram-train service linking Sheffield and Rotherham from 2018. South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive said regular timetabled service on the Supertram network would begin in October, following a progressive introduction.
The tram-train pilot scheme will see the vehicles operate over the Supertram network from Sheffield city centre and then connect to the heavy rail network via a new chord at Tinsley. They will then continue to Rotherham Central and a new terminus at Parkgate. The project has suffered a series of delays, chiefly due to issues encountered during the infrastructure works, and is now set to begin some three years later than planned. Testing of the vehicles on the heavy rail network is expected to begin in early 2018.
