Supertram now back under public control

South Yorkshire’s Supertram is back under public control from today – 22 March – after 27 years.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, hailed the day as “one small step for tram” as new plans have been developed to significantly improve the network.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) says it aims to create a bigger and better tram network which is fully integrated with other modes of transport.

The Authority notes that as it has only just taken over the contract, customers won’t see major changes yet. It says that as Supertram has been running at a loss over the years, a lack of investment has meant a poor experience for passengers.

Proposals are in place to refurbish all trams by March 2027 and to have a new fleet rolled out by 2032, subject to Government funding. An investment case to Government has been submitted this week.

There are plans to open a new tram stop later this year at Magna in Rotherham, which will serve communities in Blackburn Meadows, Templeborough and Deepdale.

Opportunities are being explored for further expansion in Sheffield to Stocksbridge and Barrow Hill and also to Chesterfield. Work is under way to increase park and ride capacity at Rotherham Parkgate.

Coppard said: “For 30 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.”

Matthew Stephens, president of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber said: “I welcome the move to return Supertram to public ownership, especially if this means investment can be secured to unlock new areas of South Yorkshire’s economy.

“Perhaps the greatest challenge Mayor Coppard now faces is being able to secure the funds required to bring Supertram to all areas of South Yorkshire.

“At present, just one line operates outside of the boundaries of Sheffield. If Supertram is to fulfil its potential when it comes to driving economic growth then clearly greater, faster connections are required between our town and city centres.

“At present it takes over an hour to travel between Barnsley and Rotherham via bus and 45 minutes to make the journey by train. This clearly needs to change.

“If Mayor Coppard can follow the example set in Manchester by using the tram network to improve connectivity across the whole of the region then this will help unlock new jobs as well as acting as a catalyst towards building a stronger regional economy.”