South Yorkshire starts consultation on new tram fleet

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined authority, whose area covers the UK city of Sheffield and the surroundings, has launched a consultation to get the views of the public on what the new tram fleet for Supertram should look like. It seeks views on things such as accessibility, comfort, technology, safety and passenger information. The original fleet of 25 Siemens-Duewag low-floor trams dates from the opening of the system in 1994 and whilst they are good for a few years yet, plans are being made to replace them. Their replacement will need to ensure the long-term future of the network with a likely investment of £90M. Technology has improved since they were built and the opportunity for a new design is also a chance for passengers to have their say. 

 

The survey is Iive from 10 August to 18 September. Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire mayor, said, ‘We are transforming public transport across South Yorkshire, and bringing in a brand new fleet of trams is a huge part of those ambitions. The trams have been part of our lives for more than 30 years. They have served South Yorkshire brilliantly, but they are getting past the point where we need to update them if we want to make sure the network is fit for the future’. Public exhibitions are planned for 11 August at the Café, Riverside House, Rotherham and 12 August at the Workstation in Sheffield. 

 

The consultation is at https://www.southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/explore/new-supertram-fleet-survey.