I have read in recent issues of the UK 'Rail' magazine that tram-trains have
been delivered to Sheffield [UK] for the planned operation on the railway
between Sheffield and Rotherham. There appear to be some details to be
sorted out as apparently, the railway section is to be electrified at 25Kv
AC. How have the British dealt with the 'crashworthiness' issue of mixing
light and heavy rail vehicles on the same tracks ?

The European countries which have tram-train operation appear to have
covered the problems satisfactorily. Several years ago, there was a
proposal for tram-train operation on the Port railway line in Adelaide.

This type of operation could be used to advantage in other Australian cities
to serve less busy stations on the railway networks and to branch off main
lines using on-board power to serve regional housing developments.

Are we backward in adopting new technology ?

Noel Reed.