The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) are to launch a consultation on the future of the Supertram network from 19th September to “help shape long-term plans for the system”. It is hoped to find out what people think of Supertram, how the network could be developed or improved and how services could fit with other transport.
The consultation will be open between 19th September and 30th October and the results will help transport leaders draft an investment strategy that will seek Government funding to prepare Supertram for the future and allow services to operate for another 30 years.
Stephen Edwards, SYPTE Executive Director, explains more: “Supertram supports Sheffield’s modern identity and has connected people to jobs, education and leisure in the city centre and beyond for over 21 years. Whilst we continue to make significant investment in the network, parts of the system are coming to the end of their working life and the time is right for us to consider how Supertram can best support the evolving needs of the Region. SYPTE’s current concession agreement for Supertram’s services is ready for renewal in March 2024. So it is time for us to start putting plans in place to make sure Supertram is fit for the future. The important views of residents and businesses across Sheffield City Region will help to shape our investment strategy to prepare the network for its next chapter.”
The survey will be available online at http://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/tramfuture from 1000 on Monday 19th September and will also be available at Interchange Customer Service desks.
Supertram has been operating for 22 years with the first lines having opened in 1994. Since opening it has had a fleet 25 Siemens-Duewag trams which have provided sterling service but since the collision at Shalesmoor last year has been used almost to its capacity. A fleet of seven tram-trains are currently being delivered and these will eventually be used to help enhance capacity on the network. Currently limited testing has taken place with the four vehicles already in Sheffield but it was originally hoped the first may enter service in late 2016.
expansion of the sytem if possible extend the tram train pricipal beyond rotherham
increase fleet with secodc hand refurbished trams from abroad if necessary
The hospital extension was proposed and almost progressed, then it was not built. This was a very short line, and although it would have taken the usual twenty years from authorization to operation, it would still be useful. It could be running by 2036 if a decision was made now. The tram-train trams were supposed to be in service on the existing system by the summer and now it is autumn. Is something wrong here, too?
Without wishing to be accused of stirring the hornets nest id suggest SYPTE delay the consultation till a statement is made on the lack of visible meaningful progress delivering Tram-Train Trial. Increasingly obvious all is not well and the reported damage sustained tip of the iceberg… Also attention will have to turn in coming years to fleet replacement as wonderful servants the current fleet have been its inevitable that it work will have to begin soon to procure their replacements.
You’ll never get anywhere in the UK with light rail. Look how long birmingham took and how long Blackpool is taking for a 2 stop extension! Abroad this would have been designed, built and running within 2 years. We could do it in Victorian times! The whole system needs speeding up (and its not just transport) but no one is willing to make a decision on anyhting.
Indeed it is endemic here. Leeds trolleybuses, delayed then cancelled. Heathrow runway decision – delayed. HS2 decision – delayed. Look what Alastair Darling did with light rail in London, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol and Portsmouth – delayed, delayed, delayed, then cancelled. Compare with what France has done in the same time.
Sadly the comment by John D is true. The current process prior to any work on the ground is so laborious it is a major block to future development. However, if you look at the situation in Manchester it shows that with all major players on side a meaningful and comprehensive light rail system can be developed in a timely fashion. Hopefully a model for the future.
never really progressed with it in sheffield have they ….about the same as when built..trams must be about life expired …….
I have responded to the Online Consultation. However I wonder how much notice will be taken of my comments since I do not live in Yorkshire. Although I was born in Sheffield it is many, many years since I left.