£1.6m granted for Sheffield Supertram strategy

£1.57M is to be invested in developing a long-term strategy for Sheffield’s Supertram system.

The funding comes from a successful bid to Government for the support, following the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement last week which confirmed that Sheffield City Region is one of only six authorities to receive ‘Large Local Mayor’ scheme funding from the Department of Transport.

This will allow Supertram network owners South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive to build a case for up to £230m investment in the Supertram project’s future.

SYPTE conducted a consultation last week with more than 2,000 responses which is said were in support of the investment. Areas for improvement were listed as new locations, new tram vehicles, technology upgrades, and integrated ticketing schemes.

It will invest the £1.6m in funding in an outline business case for the Supertram in 2017/18 and further public consultations will be held before a bid is submitted to Government for further investment in the tram system.

SYPTE executive director, Stephen Edwards, said: “Supertram supports Sheffield City Region’s modern identity and has connected people to the city centre and beyond for over 21 years. Whilst we continue to make significant local investment in the network, parts of the system are coming to the end of their working life.

“SYPTE’s current concession agreement for tram services is ready for renewal in March 2024, so it is time for us to start putting plans in place to make sure Supertram is fit for the future. We are delighted to receive development funding from the Department for Transport, which will allow us to complete the transport modelling and analysis needed to make recommendations for investment options and, together with the important views of residents and businesses, help us to prepare the network for its next chapter.”

Chairman of Sheffield City Region LEP, Sir Nigel Knowles, said: “This investment by the Government for two important transport studies in Sheffield City Region is excellent news. Connectivity is key to developing a strong business culture and this funding will enable us to continue building a better connected economy which works for businesses and residents.”