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Tram-Train pilot for South Yorkshire

Being from South Yorkshire, I am pleased to see investment in the area.

I will be even more pleased when it reachesBarnsley.

I guess this will not be the most popular comment in a rail mag.

But what about the possibility of creating dedicated bus routes on the old branch lines, instead. (Road rather than rail). Or a combination using RRV/Tram/Trains?

Such dedicated routes could be run on branch line principles, by the TOCs, using hydrogen fuelled buses (or other hybrid / environmental fuel). Working to and from fixed depots, they can have their own fuel storage, so refuelling should not be a problem.

Many branch line stations were a bit remote from the communities they served. Such buses could leave the route, service the village and return to the route. Infrastructure and maintenance costs would be far less (no possessions just a few cones), so more routes could be provided.

This could possibly bring old branch lines back into use that may otherwise not have a business case. Who knows, one day there may be a case for reverting to rail, but in the meantime disused routes could be used and safeguarded.

Maybe a programme should be put in place to recover / reinstate the old routes for future use.

Such dedicated routes would provide the flexibility of roads and the convenience of rail.

The routes could result in more rail passengers and freight on the main lines (by feeding directly to railway stations).

They could also be used by pedestrians and cyclists (ideal for the less able – no hills).

Many old routes pass through very scenic areas, following rivers and canals, and could provide more leisure opportunities; healthy too (arrive by train, walk / cycle up the route and visit places en-route, bus back).

I am sure local entrepreneurs would come up with more ideas creating more small businesses and employment. (Keep out the corporate chains) These routes could also include freight.

Put a chimney on the front of the vehicles to make them look authentic and set up cameras with missiles to deal with trespassers – ok, maybe this is a step too far; cameras and heavy fines should do.

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