Which Light Rail / Tram system is better?

Question

Sheffield Supertram

or

Manchester Metrolink?

i personally prefer the Manchester system just for the general ambience of the system...

I feel it's more of a pioneering system whereas Sheffield just used the same ideas after they'd seen Manchester's success.

I also think the Metrolink feels more commuter oriented by the general appearance and feel of the Trams whereas the Supertram's are more for pleasure...

I know that sounds strange but thanks...

Answers please...

Answer 1

Neither, I prefer the Croydon Tramlink System.

Answer 2

Sheffield Supertram is a far superior line. It uses trams built by Siemens and I think Siemens retrofitted regenerative braking recently. This will reduce the cost to run the line.

I searched Metrolink to see if they have regenerative breaking and all I found was complaints against the line.

Stagecoach operates both lines so the difference would be the way the rail is cut up and the difference in the trams.

I don't live in U.K. but I follow Siemens regenerative braking.

Answer 3

I can't comment about the Sheffield system, because I haven't used it.

I do, however, have a beef about the Manchester Metrolink.  Prior to it's introduction, the existing routes (Piccadilly to Altrincham and Victoria to Bury) were served very well by British Rail (as was).  The tram simply took the existing passengers, so I think it was a complete waste of time and money.

Answer 4

Both systems were designed by their respective councils at around the same time, but the Sheffield system is more complex with three routes using all new track as opposed to Manchester's single route that mostly reused existing track. They were only contracted out to private operators after the services started running

I will point out that Stagecoach have just taken over the conssesion to run the Metrolink from Serco - it will be a while before they show any improvements. The Sheffield system was a flop initially but Stagecoach have managed to turn it round