Following a trial earlier this year and a survey which saw 75% of people in favour, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) have confirmed that dogs will be permanently allowed on Supertram services.
Before the trial began in March, the only dogs allowed on board the trams were assistance dogs or dogs in carry cases. But the trial has been deemed a success and now one well-behaved dog per passenger will be allowed to travel on Supertram.
The trial saw strong public support with over 10,600 people responding to a public consultation. 75% of those were in favour of changing the rules. During the trial over 6,000 dogs have travelled on Supertram.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “Fixing public transport in South Yorkshire means making it work for all of us, and that includes our four-legged friends.
“More than 10,000 people have told us: allowing dogs on trams makes our network more inclusive and accessible.
“We’re building a public transport system that reflects the needs of the people who use it every day. Whether you’re commuting, exploring, or simply heading out with your dog, Supertram will get you there.”
Sean English, Managing Director at Supertram, said: “We’re delighted to welcome dogs onboard our trams permanently, following the strong public support we saw during the trial. This change reflects our commitment to making Supertram more accessible and responsive to the needs of our passengers.
“Throughout the trial, we worked hard to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both our customers and colleagues, and we’ll continue to monitor and manage the service to maintain a positive experience for everyone. It’s a great example of how listening to our passengers helps us shape a better, more inclusive transport network.
“I’d also like to thank our Supertram colleagues for their hard work and dedication throughout the trial period, their efforts were instrumental in making it a success.”
This is just one part of the SYMCA’s plans for improving the Supertram network. This has included the investment of £15 million over the next two years to tackle issues caused by dealing with trams which are now over 30 years old. They are also looking at a fleet replacement programme which could see new trams in service by 2032, subject to funding from the government.