The progress of a “trackless trams” scheme for town centres across the Tees Valley has been questioned in a council meeting – and Teesside Live readers in our comments section would rather go all the way with trams, or not at all.
One year ago, Mayor Ben Houchen unveiled a £1 billion set of transport schemes, to be funded by the scrapping of part of the High Speed 2 rail network. Some of the money is to go towards trackless tram routes – bringing to mind old trolleybus networks – across town centres in Darlington, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Stockton and Hartlepool.
The circular routes around the town centres would provide hop-on, hop-off services, and use “smart technology”. It is hoped the project could be delivered by 2027/28.
However, at a council meeting scrutinising Darlington Borough Council’s financial forecast this week, councillor Matthew Snedker asked whether the local authority had included the proposed project in its budget. He said: “I remember in January 2024 Lord Houchen announced he had a billion pounds to spend on transport, including 15 electric tram routes. Is that included in this? Is there any news on our electric trams?”
Responding, councillor Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services, said it is not part of the council’s financial plan and is the responsibility of TVCA. She added: “I have certain thoughts about how that money was allocated and the projects it was allocated to but that is not for this committee to consider. I believe TVCA have not yet received their grant letter, so the wishlist from January 2024 remains a wishlist and an aspiration. I have not heard a great deal about electric trams.”
Readers aren’t enthusiastic about the plans, regardless of their progress. Commenter Boroboy34 says: “Money would be better spent updating the current transport system.”
Humanbeersponge wants local control of the new system: “And who runs said trams, will these be councils, or contracted out like our wonderful rail system?”
On our Facebook page, Graham Hadfield – “What a silly idea. None of the town centres are large enough to warrant a circular tram route.”
Elaine Barbara Haswell says: “Isn’t a trackless tram just a bus? Invest in the buses we already have, or do it properly and have proper tram, like Manchester” Michael Bonham Carter agrees: “It’s a stupid idea. Create a real tram train system or don’t do it at all. Stop wasting tax payers money.”
Paul Silver likes the idea: “Bring back trams to Middlesbrough.”
Have your say! If not trams, how would you improve public transport in your area? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
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