The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) are launching a consultation to get the views of the public on what the new tram fleet for the Supertram network should have. It will be asking views on everything from accessibility and comfort to onboard technology, safety and passenger information.
The current core fleet of the Supertram network – 25 trams built by Siemens-Duewag for the opening of the system in 1994 – is now over 30 years old and while they continue to provide a reliable service they are approaching the end of their operating lives. Their replacement will be needed to ensure the long-term future of the network.
Introducing a new fleet of trams will provide the chance for improvement, and to better meet the needs of those who regularly use the trams. Of course, technology has come on leaps and bounds since the original trams were built and the consultation will give people the chance to have their say.
New tram designs can offer:
- Improved accessibility
- More space for wheelchairs and pushchairs
- Better passenger information
- Enhanced safety features
- Greater passenger comfort
- Improved reliability
- Better environmental performance
- Modern onboard technology
The survey – which will be live between Monday 10th August and Friday 18th September 2026 – will be asking respondents about accessibility, comfort, safety, passenger information, space for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles, onboard technology and the overall journey experience.
Olive Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “We’re transforming public transport across South Yorkshire, and bringing in a brand new fleet of trams is a huge part of those ambitions.
“It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We’re investing £90 million on the new trams, and we need to make the most of it.
“The trams have been part of our lives for more than 30 years – helping us get to work, school, appointments, days out and so much more. They’ve served South Yorkshire brilliantly, but they’re getting past the point where we need to update them if we want to make sure the network is fit for the future.
“We want our new trams to be easy to use, accessible, comfortable and reliable; making it simpler for us all to get around.
“Whether you use the tram every day, every now and then, or you’d like to use it more in future, come along to one of our exhibitions, take part in the survey and tell us what you’d like to see.
“Public transport in South Yorkshire is getting better and we’re making a tram network we can be proud of for generations to come.”
There will also be public exhibitions taking place in August (11th at The Café, Riverside House, Rotherham and 12th at The Workstation, Sheffield) where the public can drop-in and find out more about the plans.
Feedback gathered through both the survey and the exhibitions will help inform the specification or the new fleet before SYMCA go out to tender and invite manufacturers to bid to deliver new trams for the network.
Any funding for the new trams would come through the Transport for City Regions funding stream.
- The consultation will be available at https://www.southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/explore/new-supertram-fleet-survey