TRANSPORT Minister Rosie Winterton has told how 'Bus Rapid Transit' schemes are being favoured between Sheffield and Rotherham rather than a tram extension because they are better value for money - despite potentially creating more disruption.
Two routes are being proposed - one via Meadowhall and on existing roads through Attercliffe, and another via the new Waverley housing and business development, which would be routed into Sheffield via new bus lanes on the Parkway.
Both would cost a total of £73 million, compared to the £100 million cost of extending Supertram from Meadowhall to Rotherham.
But extending Supertram would be far less disruptive, as the link to Sheffield city centre already exists and the Rotherham extension would mostly be along an under-used railway line.
Work on the bus routes could take up to two years - and the schemes could involve bus priority traffic lights on both roads.
Ms Winterton said: "There will always be a debate between bus versus tram but bus rapid transit schemes can deliver greater flexibility and, here, we can deliver two routes for less than the cost of extending one tram route.
She did not rule out further consideration of tram extensions, but added any proposals would have to ensure the maximum number benefited.
Sheffield Council leader Coun Jan Wilson has said tram extensions are still the preferred option for improving transport between Sheffield and Rotherham and she will continue to lobby the Government to reconsider its decision not to approve funding.
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