In this week’s news from the light rail sector – Romance on trams in Edinburgh, services suspended in Sheffield due to rail break, track and overhead line renewal on Tyne and Wear Metro, and Polar Express™ returns to Seaton.

UKTram

An innovative project aimed at improving a vital transport route in the Highlands of Scotland has come under the spotlight during a recent meeting of the UKTram Centre of Excellence.

Known as Skyefall, the project by Network Rail, HI TRANS and Mainspring could see the introduction of a rail/road share scheme utilising new track technologies trialled previously by UK Tram.

In a presentation to the Centre, Alex Dodds of Network Rail explained that it could be used on land adjacent to the Dingwall to Kyle of Lochalsh line on a section alongside the A890 road between Cuddies Point and Ardnaff, and you can read the full story here.

In other light rail news:

Edinburgh Trams 

To mark the most romantic day of the year, Edinburgh Trams has been highlighting how couples can find love in the most unexpected places, even on board a tram!

On its website, the operator has introduced customers to colleagues Michael and Emilia, who first met when working together on the city’s popular tramway. You can read their story here.

Sheffield Supertram  

Due to a rail break at Manor Top, trams have been unable to operate between Sheffield Station, Halfway and Herdings Park.

As a result, the Purple Route is suspended. The Blue route will only operate between Sheffield Station and Malin Bridge.

A dedicated replacement bus is operating between Sheffield Station and Malin Bridge. Buses operate every 15 minutes from the start of service and every 20 minutes in the evening and on Sunday, and further details can be found here.

Tyne & Wear Metro

A busy section of Metro line between the airport and South Gosforth is to close for seven days to allow for a major programme of track and overhead line renewal works to be carried out.

A 1.5km stretch of track and 1,400 metres of overhead wire are being replaced alongside a range of other lineside estate works.

Buses will replace trains Airport-South Gosforth from this Saturday (February 17) until Friday, February 23, and further details can be found here.

Heritage  

Seaton Tramway has announced that The Polar Express™ is returning to Seaton on selected dates through November and December.

Families can take a magical tram ride to Santa’s home at the North Pole in one of the specially decorated single-deck tramcars, and passengers are encouraged to travel in their favourite pyjamas while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, a delicious treat and admire the awesome lights of the North Pole.

Tickets are now on sale, and further details can be found here.

To be included in the next round-up, or the Members News section of the UKTram website, send your press releases to info@uktram.org.