Sheffield to Rotherham tram-train scheme delayed by year
The tram-trains service, linking Sheffield, Meadowhall and Rotherham via local tram routes and Network Rail lines, was due to start this year.
Network
Rail apologised and said it was waiting for approval from the transport
secretary to build 150m (164yd) of track at Tinsley.
It said the full tram-train service would "not be introduced until 2017".
In
a statement, Network Rail said: "The combination of the complexity of
the project, added to the need to apply for powers to build the link
between the two networks means that the full tram-train service will not
be introduced until 2017.
"We apologise for this delay but remain
positive that the introduction of tram-train will not only benefit
passengers in South Yorkshire but lead the way for many other similar
schemes to benefit passengers around the country."
The two-year pilot scheme is said to be the first of its kind in the UK.
The tram-trains are expected to cut journey times and make it easier for people to get into the city and town centres.