when the line was under threat of closure due to falling levels of patronage and the possible loss of revenue support from both PTEs. Although the entire Barnsley to Huddersfield route was originally double line, it is now single throughout following modernisation works in 1983 & 1989 (aside from a pair of crossing loops at Penistone and between Stocksmoor & Shepley) with control split between Huddersfield and Barnsley signal boxes. The Rail Operating Centre at will take over the signalling of the entire route by 2018. Tram-train trial On 18 March 2008, the Department for Transport released details of a proposal to trial tram-trains on the Penistone Line, the first use of such vehicles in the UK. The trial was to start in 2010 and last for two years. Northern Rail, the operator of passenger services on the line, asked potential manufacturers to tender for the design and construction of five new vehicles, which Northern Rail would subsequently lease. In addition, Network Rail planned to spend £15m modifying track and stations to make them compatible with the new vehicles. However, it was announced on 15 September 2009 that a city tram-train trial between Rotherham and Sheffield would replace the Penistone Line scheme. Notes References Body, G. (1988), PSL Field Guides – Railways of the Eastern Region Volume 2, Patrick Stephens Ltd, Wellingborough, Further reading External links Penistone Line Partnership South Pennines Rail Partnership Current timetable information Rail transport in South Yorkshire Rail transport in West Yorkshire Community railway lines in England Rail transport in Sheffield Barnsley Transport in Huddersfield Transport in Kirklees Holme Valley Penistone Tram transport in England Railway lines in Yorkshire and the Humber Standard gauge railways in England Abandoned light rail projects in the United Kingdom