It was teased on the advert applied to South Yorkshire Supertram 115 in January and now the Park and Ride site at Rotherham Parkgate (the end of the tram-train route) is open for business. Providing 289 free parking spaces its hoped that the site will help to ease congestion on the A633 and A6123 as part of a scheme to help improve walking, cycling and transport connections across South Yorkshire.
The project has cost £12.9 million and has been funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) through the government’s £166 million Transforming Cities Fund settlement for South Yorkshire.
As well as 289 car parking spaces, the new site includes 14 EV chargers, cycle racks, disabled access spaces, and parking for solo motorcycles.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire Mayor, said: “South Yorkshire deserves nothing less than a world-class public transport network so our communities can access the jobs and opportunities they deserve; and that we can all stay near and go far.
“We’re investing serious money into South Yorkshire’s tram system, through projects like the new Rotherham Parkgate Park and Ride. We’ve put £12.9m into this project, alongside over £100m going into the renewal and development of our Supertram network to build a bigger and more connected system that puts people first.
“We won’t get there in one big step, it’s about steady and consistent progress so that we have a network that drives growth and opportunity for the whole of our region.”
Meanwhile Leader of Rotherham Council, Cllr Chris Read, added: “The new Park and Ride is a real win for Rotherham – it’s about making everyday journeys easier, greener and more accessible for local people. Whether you’re hopping on the Tram Train, cycling to the shops, or charging an EV, this investment helps us cut congestion, reduce emissions, and build a better-connected future for our town.
“By improving the travel options in the area, we not only make it easier for people to travel between Parkgate and the town centre – but also help to minimise air pollution and reduce reliance on cars.”
This is just one project set to be delivered over the next few years. That will include the new stop on the tram-train route at Magna, due to open within the next year.
If only Blackpool had thought of this……….