'˜Don't panic' '“ Sheffield Supertram boss seeks to allay concerns over future of tram network Â

A transport boss has sought to allay concerns over the future of Sheffield's beloved Supertram '“ after it was revealed the network could be axed unless the Government stumps up £230 million.
Ben Gilligan.Ben Gilligan.
Ben Gilligan.

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive said the current trams are 'coming to the end of their working life' after more than 20 years' service but there is not currently any money set aside to replace them.

Read More
'˜Two men stabbed in Sheffield suburb'

SYPTE is set to apply for £230 million funding from the Department for Transport which would allow the tram system to keep running for another 30 years. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But the transport body also warned that if they fail to convince ministers to release funding the tram network could become a thing of the past. 

The announcement this week has sparked concern among customers, business and political leaders that losing the tram system would be a '˜disaster' for the city. 

But Ben Gilligan, director of public transport for SYPTE, sought to reassure concerns and said a team of experts are pulling out all the stops to put forward the 'best possible business case' to the Government. 

He added: 'There are about 30 people working on this full time and they are the best people there to deliver the right outcome.' 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Gilligan described the current network as 'sound' and the funding they are applying for is to secure the system beyond 2024.

He said: 'I would say don't panic. We are not looking at a ticking time bomb here. You have to start these things early, we are six years ahead of the game but by 2024 our assets will be 30-years-old and we need to look at replacements.' 

 SYPTE is looking at three different options as part of their business case:- to replace the trams with more buses, maintain the network as it is or to renew and modernise the system. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A public consultation asking for passengers' thoughts on the plans states that if they are unsuccessful in securing funding the tram network 'may have to be closed and decommissioned' '“ a warning which has caused alarm in some quarters.

Mr Gilligan said removing the tram network is a real possibility or it 'would not have been included' in the plans. 

But he added that with applications of this size all options have to be considered in order to have an 'open and transparent process.'

'We have got to give the public the whole picture so they can see the consequences of decisions that are being taken.'

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He revealed SYPTE is not currently working on an alternative plan for if the Department for Transport refuses to stump up the £230 million.

This is because the team are confident of making a 'strong business case' and it would be counter-intuitive to have people working hard on alternatives that may not be needed. 

Business leaders have expressed concern that securing funding from Government could be tricky after a devolution of powers deal for the region hit problems last year when Doncaster and Barnsley pulled out of the agreement. 

But Mr Gilligan believes this will not affect their application as it involves '˜different Government departments'. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Questions have also been raised about the state of the tram network's finances as taxpayers are still projected to be paying for the installation of Supertram until 2056 '“ some 61 years after the network opened after it ran four times over budget. 

But he said categorically there has been no mis-management of finances and added: 'Infrastructure projects like this are invested in and then paid off, it is how they work. It is like getting a mortgage for a house.' 

Criticism has also been aimed at transport chiefs over the delivery of the Sheffield Cathedral to Rotherham Parkgate tram-train project, which is nearly three years overdue and £60m over budget.

But several different transport bodies are involved in delivering the scheme and Mr Gilligan stressed budget targets from SYPTE have been met. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Depending on how the pilot project goes, more tram-trains could be ordered in the future, he added. 

Despite problems with the delivery of this scheme, there is still an appetite for extending the line. 

Bosses at the Sheffield City Region earlier this month revealed an '˜aspirational' transport masterplan for new tram, railway  and bus links to meet demand in places including Oughtibridge, Stocksbridge, Chapeltown Parkway, the Northern General Hospital, Batemoor, Waverley and Swallownest. 

Mr Gilligan said the business case they are working on at present focuses on the current network and if there is 'demand for extension' then funding would be sought from 'other sources' at a later date. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

An outline business case will be sent to the Government next year before a more detailed plan with a preferred option is submitted in about 2020 for ministers to make a decision. 

Mr Gilligan said he is aware there is huge interest in the Supertram and urged the public to take part in the consultation. 

He said: 'We recognise the important role that the tram network plays and we have received over 800 responses to the consultation so far in a matter of days, which shows how passionate people are.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'It is iconic, I travel on the tram every day. I would say take part in the consultation, it will help to inform our decisions.' 

The public survey on the plans, which runs until November 5, is available to view at travelsouthyorkshire.com/futuretram  Â