Sheffield Supertram to receive final tranche of government financial support to keep services running during pandemic

Trams operating across Sheffield and in Rotherham will receive further government funding to help keep services running.
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Sheffield Supertram will share a further £56 million split between Manchester Metrolink, Tyne and Wear Metro, Nottingham Express Transit, West Midlands Metro and Blackpool Tramway.

Ministers have confirmed that this will be the final tranche of government resources into the services during the Covid-19 crisis.

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Supertram revenues from paying passengers fell dramatically during lockdown and would’ve struggled to continue to operate without intervention.

Government has already provided around £150 million to tram and light rail operators to ensure services have continued to run throughout the pandemic. The current emergency funding package will end on Monday, July 19.

Last week the Government announced a £226.5m funding package to support bus operators across England, outside of London, through the recovery period.

Transport Minister Baroness Vere said: “Light rail and tram services provide an essential service in our towns and cities, ensuring people can get to work, school or to see friends and family.

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“This £56m funding package will allow operators to keep running these vital services as normal in those initial months as restrictions are lifted and passengers begin to return in higher numbers.”

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Steve Barclay, said: “As our economy reopens, we’re continuing to support people and businesses – and making sure people can get to work and use public transport easily is crucial.

“Today’s funding means thousands of people across England can continue to travel on public transport when they need to, and regular services can continue as the country comes out of restrictions.”

Mayor of South Yorkshire Dan Jarvis said: "Supertram has played a key role in getting people where they need to be during the pandemic, and is essential to our plans to rebuild and renew South Yorkshire.

“While I welcome the certainty this package provides for Supertram for next few months, we still need to see the detail of exactly how this funding will work for South Yorkshire.”