Friday 22nd March was a momentous day for the South Yorkshire Supertram network as it returned to public control after the end of 27 years of Stagecoach operation. On the day of the change there were various media appearances and releases from Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, who was celebrating how this will allow a fully integrated transport network in the region to be introduced in the coming years. Whilst not enough to garner headlines in the mainstream media the opening press release also suggests that there could be a new fleet of trams by 2032.
It is still very early days for the replacement of the tram fleet (its not mentioned but presumably this will just replace the original mid-1990s Siemens-Duewag trams built for the opening of the network) and as thing stand at the moment there is no funding available for what would be a significant investment. An investment case has been submitted to the government to help fund the acquisition of the trams.
With 2032 being a long way in the future (and knowing the procurement of new trams the chances are this deadline could well slip) it has also been confirmed that all the current fleet of trams are due to be refurbished by March 2027.
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority have created a new arms-length company to operate the trams – South Yorkshire Future Tram Limited (SYFTL) – although the network will still be known as Supertram (with a new logo unveiled). At least to start with there will be very little change for passengers with things just continuing as they were before.
But what has already been announced is a change in some ticketing with Stagecoach bus and tram tickets removed from sale, a new Supertram app launched for the purchase of tickets (on-tram conductors also remain for the sale of tickets) and for the first 100 days there is a 10% discount on some tram only fares (1, 5, 7 and 28 day adult and child tickets). Its also been confirmed that within the first 100 days all tram shelters and stops will be deep cleaned.
Meanwhile, there is to be a review of the tram timetable and this will look at “opportunities for it to change to better serve passenger demand”.
On the first day of the new era for Supertram, a survey has also been launched to get the public’s views on improving the trams including on personal safety, cleanliness, condition and maintenance of seating, tram stop information, bike facilities and being able to take a dog on the tram. This can be completed from https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/en-gb/news/391dd483-ca29-49c5-8d8a-e080531a1049.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “For thirty years we’ve seen and felt the consequences of our public transport network being run by private operators who have failed to run our buses and trams in the interests of our communities. We are now starting to dismantle that system. Today is a historic day for South Yorkshire; it’s one small step for tram, but it’s the first step in our journey back to a public transport system that puts people first, connecting our communities and helping us to build a bigger and better economy.
“South Yorkshire Supertram is ours again. But we’re inheriting a South Yorkshire Supertram that simply hasn’t had the investment it has needed for far too long. So today we start to turn that around. It won’t be quick or easy, but my commitment is to create a South Yorkshire Supertram network that gets the support and care it needs to deliver for South Yorkshire. As we start to put the ‘public’ back in public transport, we will be asking people – both passengers and people who’ve stopped using the tram – what they want from Supertram, be it more stops and more lines or allowing bikes on the tram, we’re launching a new ticketing app and making the case to government for the money to invest in new tracks and trams.
“I’m determined to give people more freedom and choice about how they travel and move across the whole of South Yorkshire. Today is a big step on that journey.”
Ideas for extending the network will also be considered. Suggestions in the press release are for lines to Stocksbridge and Barrow Hill (tram-train), Chesterfield and possibly connecting to local hospitals. But that’s all very much for the long-term and for now the Mayor and the SYMCA will be concentrating on improving what is already there tram-wise in the region.
The first day of post-Stagecoach operation at Hillsborough looking much like the last few years! 106 and 123.
108 at Hillsborough.
And Inclusion liveried 120 and 124 are also seen. (All Photographs by Stuart Cooke, 22nd March 2024)