Sheffield's Supertram network to get second wave of Government funding to keep service going

Sheffield City Region (SCR) bosses said the mayoral combined authority were notified last week that the Department for Transport (DfT) would give revenue support of around £2.6 million to keep services in operation across Sheffield and Rotherham.

SCR’s deputy managing director Ruth Adams, said the money would allow the service to keep operating until August 3.

The Government has already provided £1.3 million back in April and the new wave of funding is being given to increase capacity as coronavirus restrictions are eased and more people can return to work.

It comes after bus services in South Yorkshire received a financial package to offset massive reductions in passenger numbers

A £167 million fund was recently announced to ensure bus companies can cover their costs on essential services so that key workers can still get to work.

SCR Mayor Dan Jarvis has already introduced an extension for concessionary payments.

The mayor raised the issue with other metro mayors and called for ‘collective action’ to ensure that other city region’s systems were supported, following a significant fall in passenger numbers during the pandemic.

Ruth Adams, deputy managing director of the Sheffield City Region, said: “The mayoral combined authority has received a grant offer for light-rail revenue support for £2.6 million - this is in addition to the £1.3 million already received.

“The additional grant will allow an increase in capacity as lockdown restrictions are eased and more people return to work and it will give revenue support through to August 3.

“Without the funding, the tramway would not be able to operate due to loss of revenue caused by the Covid-19 restrictions.”

All four South Yorkshire council leaders agreed to accept the grant funding.

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