Can journalists please learn what a tram-train is

[northwichcat]

Yet again another report has referred to a potential tram-train scheme as a tram extension:
http://www.knutsfordguardian.co.uk/news/10002140.Shape_of_things_to_come_/

They also refer to an additional Metrolink stop for the Parkgate/Over Ward area of Knutsford, opposed to an additional station that will be served by tram-trains.

Unless the chemical works at Winnington close there is very little chance of any conversion to Metrolink between Navigation Road and Northwich. The freight movement between Derbyshire and Winnington probably equates to the equivalent of around 30 lorry loads per day and due to the bendy roads and heavy snow falls, the train is a much better option of transporting the freight.

The line is also a diversionary route for both ATW and Virgin Voyager services - do a full conversion and the number of cancellations and replacement bus services would increase.

 

[tbtc]

Given that we've had arguments on here about what a "tram train" is (is it just a lightweight train, does it have to be capable of running on street sections, where do you draw the line...), you can't blame journalists for being confused.

If the short extension of Sheffield's Supertram to Rotherham shows that light rail can work on the same tracks as diesel passengers trains and freight then surely that's the case in Cheshire too?

 

[northwichcat]

The problem, which will probably be more the case in Hale, Knutsford, Northwich than in Rotherham, is people are all aware that tram conversions has meant that certain lines have trams instead of trains. So people might be saying they are against such a scheme, when what they are against is losing the service which has room for a bike, through ticketing to other parts of the country (in both directions) etc. when a tram-train gets around some of these problems.

 

[tbtc]

This thread is an example of the confusion between light rail, heavy trams, tram-trains...

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=69755

...so it seems a bit unfair to bemoan the fact that journalists don't know the difference between a tram-train and something else.

Then there's the fact that the type of physical vehicle used in such schemes has no bearing on whether national rail tickets - that's a whole separate kettle of fish.

 

[Deerfold]

The journalist appears to be simply quoting Henry Brooks of the Tatton Estate. If there's any error, surely it's his?

 

[Waddon]

If you're worried about inaccuracy you should just be glad they are not using the headline 'steaming ahead' as journalists use that for anything rail related (i.e "HS2 steaming ahead", "New electric trains steaming ahead" etc)