Tram train could be extended to all parts of South Yorkshire, as Sheffield City Region bosses set out ambitions for region

Places in Sheffield like Beighton, Stocksbridge, Heeley, Millhouses, Totley, Chapeltown, Woodhouse and Handsworth could all in future become part of the tram-train network, using existing rail routes.

Places like Meadowhead and other stops along the A61 Chesterfield Road could also be used in a later expansion plan.

Sheffield City Region bosses are keen to expand the service to Barnsley and Doncaster. Both councils pay a levy towards the network without directly benefiting.

Mayor Dan Jarvis has previously said that there is an ambition to roll the network out from Waverley towards Mexborugh before a terminus at Doncaster Sheffield Airport and also towns in the Barnsley Dearne Valley area.

Plans laid out but SCR bosses say they’re prioritising the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID) between Sheffield and Rotherham and other key corridors which include:• Upper Don Valley, Chapeltown/High Green to Sheffield via Meadowhall, Northern General Hospital and/or Hillsborough

• Meadowhead to city centre

• A ‘north orbital’ connecting Hillsborough to the NGH,Meadowhall and AMID

• A new service to the south east of the city from Handsworth, Woodhouse and Beighton, possibly with a spur to Aston and Aughton

• Improved direct service between the west and south West, the city centre and the lower Don Valley and Meadowhall.

The Sheffield City Region and Stagecoach Supertram have both said they ‘remain committed’ to continuing to operate tram-train beyond the end of the pilot phase until the end of the current operating concession in 2024.

Plans in the SCR Transforming Cities Fund scheme and Integrated Rail Plan for tram-train also include a 300-space park and ride at Parkgate in Rotherham by 2021 and a station at Magna by 2022.

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive executive Director, Stephen Edwards, said: “This important bid, to secure the renewal of our tram network, is imperative for future generations to enjoy the benefits Supertram has brought to the region - connecting people to jobs, education and leisure activities over the last 25 years.

“The tram network is the bedrock for the groundbreaking tram-train scheme - creating solid foundations for further service and infrastructure development, as well as helping us to understand how extensions to Supertram and tram-train could support a growing and successful economy.

“Last month, the mayoral combined authority backed the submission of the outline business case for the renewal to the Department for Transport. We hope that the Government will in turn see the many benefits that this efficient mode of travel brings to local residents, businesses and communities – helping to reduce congestion on our road network and to improve our air quality.”