THE first Class 399 tram-train sets entered service on the Sheffield Supertram network on September 14. The fleet will be initially restricted to the tram network until the connection to Rotherham Parkgate via Network Rail metals is completed in 2018.
No. 399202 was chosen for the first run, which ran empty from the depot at Nunnery to Meadowhall, and then worked in service with a 14.45 departure to Middlewood and back.
It had earlier been named Theo by the mascot of Sheffield’s Children’s Hospital Charity, aided by Transport Minister Paul Maynard, who said: “The first passenger service is a significant milestone for this scheme which remains on track to be completed next year and will improve journeys between Sheffield and Rotherham.”
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The £75million project is currently due to be completed in May 2018 – which is five times over budget and almost three years late, according to a recent report by the National Audit Office.
Read more in the October issue of RM – on sale now!
