Written question asked by Lord Storey (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Attlee (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 March 2012.

Transport: Trams

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are currently taking to stimulate local tram and light rail projects; and what is the timetable for any projects that are expected to be operational by 2020.

Answer: I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave on 21 November 2011 (Official Report, col. WA 213), which demonstrates the support we are providing to tram and light rail schemes across the country. Since November 2011 the Department for Transport has announced: funding of up to a maximum of £371 million towards the total maximum scheme cost of £570 million for the extensions to Nottingham Express Transit. The extensions are expected to be in service by late 2014; £75.4 million towards the £128 million cost of the Midland Metro extension scheme in Birmingham, with the first new tram scheduled to come into service on the existing line in February 2014, the enlarged depot expected to be available in August 2013 and the city centre extension with the full new tram fleet expected to be in service from March 2015; and initial funding approval for four additional tram vehicles for the Sheffield Supertram system, expected to be operational by late 2014, subject to final funding approval being granted. In addition, the Department for Transport is working with the light rail sector to take forward actions arising from the September 2011 report Green Light for Light Rail, in order to make light rail schemes more cost effective in the future.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16277; 736 c60-1WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Transport: Trams
Monday, 21 November 2011
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Rapid transit systems Trams
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk