Earlier in the week when we reported on the overhead issues on Stagecoach Supertram we also mentioned that a special service would be running this weekend in connection with the Tramlines festival. However, the decision has now been made to change the planned service after a surge in employees being contacted through the NHS Test and Trace system.
As a result of this there will no trams running through to the festival area – Hillsborough – during the evenings of Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th July. All services from the city will be terminating at Shalesmoor from 2100 on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th and around 2000 on Sunday 25th July.
Tim Bilby, Managing Director of Stagecoach Supertram, said: “In common with many other organisations across the country, we have seen a surge in staff absence over the last week, largely due to our employees being contacted with a self-isolation instruction through the NHS Test and Trace system. We are continuing to run the vast majority of tram services with the reduced resource we have available, however this does mean we are unable to provide a tram service on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings for people returning from the Tramlines festival.”
Buses will continue to operate as planned with Supertram tickets valid for travel however the official advice is that as these services are likely to be very busy to make alternative arrangements to return home after the festival ends.