The new tram train vehicles for use between Rotherham and Sheffield have been specified with the ability to operate on either 750v DC or 25kv AC power and therefore these units are already capable of operation on both systems at no additional cost.

Network Rail has designed the overhead electrification equipment on their network to operate initially at 750v DC, however passive provision (such as installing ‘mainline’ standard masts) has been made to facilitate conversion to 25kv AC should this be required in future. The costs however of such conversion are not known at this time but the work undertaken by this project will reduce the overall cost of any such future scheme in the area.

The only change to the agreed client outputs for the Sheffield to Rotherham Tram Train pilot project has been to the designs for electrification to ensure that, as much as practicable, it is future-proofed to allow for conversion to main line electrification (25kv AC) standards. The cost for this provision has been included in the overall project estimates.

The hon. Gentleman makes an important point about hybrid tram-trains and I will look into it. As far as I am aware, the project is on track and on schedule, but I am particularly keen to understand the lessons that can be learned from it, to make sure that any projects elsewhere are done properly and to time the first time around.

I know that the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, the hon. Member for Blackpool North and Cleveleys (Paul Maynard), is as frustrated as I am by the constant delays to the tram-train project between Sheffield and Rotherham. Will he confirm that passenger services will start next year? Will he also give a date by which lessons can be learned from that project and rolled out across the country? Will he give particular consideration to the availability of hybrid tram-trains, which would mean that the vehicles could run on non-electrified heavy rail routes?

Part of the scope of the Sheffield to Rotherham tram train pilot project is the production of a suite of information on the lessons learned during both the design and delivery phases of the project. This information will be published for the benefit of interested parties. The project team is also available to provide advice and have supplied information to a number of cities in the United Kingdom.

I understand that the tram train project team have been in contact with the Glasgow Airport Access Project team since autumn 2015 and have shared learning and experience relevant to the early development of that scheme. This has included information on vehicle characteristics and operational interfaces. The Glasgow team have also visited Sheffield to gain direct experience of the tram train vehicles.

The Rotherham to Sheffield Tram Train pilot project has been subject to review. This is due to problems with Network Rail’s complex programme of works to modify the heavy rail network in order to allow the operation of the innovative tram train vehicles. The final outcome of this review work, including the financial implications, is still being considered. However, Network Rail is delivering the scheme to its revised programme and has indicated that their work is now scheduled to be complete during summer 2018.

The commencement of passenger services on this route would follow the successful testing of the infrastructure, operational arrangements and appropriate driver and staff training. A decision as to a public start date would be made by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and Supertram as and when the Network Rail works reach their conclusion.

The Rotherham to Sheffield Tram Train pilot project has been subject to review. This is due to problems with Network Rail’s complex programme of works to modify the heavy rail network in order to allow the operation of the innovative tram train vehicles. The final outcome of this review work, including the financial implications, is still being considered. However, Network Rail is delivering the scheme to its revised programme and has indicated that their work is now scheduled to be complete during summer 2018.

The commencement of passenger services on this route would follow the successful testing of the infrastructure, operational arrangements and appropriate driver and staff training. A decision as to a public start date would be made by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and Supertram as and when the Network Rail works reach their conclusion.

The Rotherham to Sheffield Tram Train pilot project has been subject to review. This is due to problems with Network Rail’s complex programme of works to modify the heavy rail network in order to allow the operation of the innovative tram train vehicles. The final outcome of this review work, including the financial implications, is still being considered. However, Network Rail is delivering the scheme to its revised programme and has indicated that their work is now scheduled to be complete during summer 2018.

The commencement of passenger services on this route would follow the successful testing of the infrastructure, operational arrangements and appropriate driver and staff training. A decision as to a public start date would be made by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and Supertram as and when the Network Rail works reach their conclusion.