UK's first '˜tram train' services to run between SheffieldÂ and Rotherham today

The UK's first tram train services, running between Sheffield and Rotherham, are to be launched today

The long-awaited Sheffield to Rotherham service will welcome passengers from todayÂ '“ with the scheme almost three years late and five times the original budget.

CRIME: Detectives rule out links between Sheffield sex attacks The service will see tram trains run from Sheffield to Parkgate Shopping via Rotherham Central railway station.

APPEAL: Crimestoppers reward of Â£5,000 still available for help to find man wanted over Sheffield murder

The first service will leave the Cathedral tram stop in Sheffield city centre at 9.39am.

Three services an hour will run, withÂ tram trainsÂ travelling on the Supertram network from Sheffield Cathedral to Meadowhall South/ Tinsley, before joiningÂ a new section of track linking the tram line to the rail line.

It will then continue on to the national rail network to Rotherham Parkgate, with journeys set to take 27 minutes.

The Government funded programme is a partnership between South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, Network Rail, Stagecoach Supertram and Northern Rail.

It will run for two years while customer satisfaction, passenger numbers, reliability and costs are tested. Â