Doncaster Tramway
 The Doncaster Tramway network | |
| Locale | England |
|---|---|
| Dates of operation | 1902–1935 |
| Successor | Abandoned |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Headquarters | Doncaster |
Doncaster Corporation Tramways was an electric tramway network serving the town of Doncaster, England.[1]
Tramway services begun in 1902 and ended in 1928-35. The tramway network was replaced by the Doncaster trolleybus system, which itself was replaced by motor buses in 1963.
The network
Doncaster Corporation Tramways was a standard gauge 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) network serving the entire Doncaster district, linking the town centre to Old Hexthorpe, Balby and Warmsworth, Oxford Street, Hyde Park, the Racecourse, Avenue Road, Beckett Road, Bentley and Brodsworth. From York Bar to Brodsworth, the tramway ran on a three-mile-long reserved track past Scawthorpe and Woodlands.
All trams terminated either at the station or at Trafford Street.
One un usual feature of the Doncaster network was the track was centre grooved. Instead of the wheels having a flange on the inside it was in the centre to line up with the groove. Joints in the track were cut diagonally. This made for a much smoother ride over the joint.
This rail was also used in Hull.
The trolleybuses
The trolleybuses first served as an extension to the tramway network before replacing it. The Hyde Park line was extended to the Racecourse, Avenue Road to Wheatley Hills, Beckett Road to Parkway and Playfairs Corner to Bentley via Victoria Road.
Tram depots
The two depots were next to each other, near the powerstation.
Greyfriars Road depot
The shed was located at SE 57269 03587 where Tesco supermarket now stands, next to North Bridge. It had seven running roads. The eastern end of the shed was a paintshop.
Frenchgate depot
Frenchgate, at SE 57174 03591, was a smaller depot and had three running roads.
Future
Following the success of the Sheffield Supertram, it has long been rumoured that a second depot could be opened in Doncaster. In the event of such a proposal being passed, the outcome would see a light rail tram system in place, serving both the town centre and surrounding areas of the borough. Other locations such as Doncaster Racecourse, Lakeside and the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Robin Hood Airport are also rumoured to be considered on potential routes.
In January 2013 it was announced that a proposed trial of Tram-train's linking Rotherham's Parkgate with Sheffield could encourage a similar scheme to rolled out in Doncaster.[2]
Rolling stock
Doncaster Corporation used three types of tramway vehicles.
- 25 — 1902 four-wheeled open-top tramcars.
- 21 — 1920 four-wheeled covered-top tramcars.
- 1 — 1920 demi-car.
References
- ↑ Bett & Gillham (1962). Great British Tramway Networks (4th ed.). London: The Light Railway Transport League. pp. 57–58, 187.
- ↑ "Train-tram pilot gets a major funding injection". Doncaster Free Press. 19 January 2013. Retrieved 7 December 2013.