Government set to give extra cash to Sheffield's tram system to help keep it running

Sheffield’s Supertram network will receive extra funds to help keep it running through the coronavirus crisis.
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The news that the Government is making a multi-millon pound package available to keep England’s trams running was announced by the transport secretary Grant Shapps as he delivered the government’s daily press briefing today (Friday April 24).

He did not give a figure for the extra cash which will help light rail networks in Greater Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham, the West Midlands, and Tyne and Wear to keep operating.

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He said rail and freight transport is critical to our resilience as a country.

He added: “We are still in discussions with the various systems about the levels at which they should b operating .

“The systems are running way below normal capacity . it is a case of finding a route which enables them to become viable entities but not running at the same levels.”

As the pandemic took hold in Sheffield Supertram announced that a reduced timetable will operate across the network until further notice. The timetables have been carefully created to ensure that critical routes are maintained wherever possible.

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It follows “extensive action” to “enhance cleaning regimes and protect the safety and well-being of customers and employees.”

The transport secretary said the government has secured a trilateral agreement with the French and Irish governments which commits to keeping freight routes open throughout the crisis, bringing in medicines and other essential goods.

Funding of up to £17 million was to be made available to protect ferry routes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.