Stagecoach to run extra buses during Tramlines to combat tram strike

Stagecoach, which runs both bus and tram services in Sheffield, has said it will lay on extra services between the festival site in Hillsborough Park back into the city centre

It comes as Unite gears up for a Supertram strike across the weekend.

Management at Supertram and Stagecoach Yorkshire have come together to plan a bus service to help festival goers return home at the end of each day.

Supertram has confirmed it plans to run a limited tram service throughout the weekend and that festival goers will be able to travel to the site on board either a tram or rail replacement service that will run from 7am connecting the city centre and Hillsborough.

However, at the end of the festival, a fleet of 30 Stagecoach buses will be on hand at the venue to transport attendees back into the city centre. Tickets cost £3 and can be purchased at the loading point prior to boarding the bus.

Managing Director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, Matt Davies said: “Tramlines is a fantastic festival and we want this year’s event to be a success.

"As soon as we were made aware that the strike was going ahead we looked at what we could do to help people get home. With a convoy of buses on hand from 8pm on Friday and Saturday and 7pm on Sunday we hope to transport partygoers back into the city centre swiftly and at a great price.”

Managing Director of Supertram, Tim Bilby said: “We’re grateful to our bus colleagues for stepping in to help provide a service to get passengers home.

"We’re extremely disappointed that the union intends to proceed with this strike action, despite last minute talks and a further revised offer being tabled.

"Our door is still open to talk to Unite but we are very clear that any pay deal needs to be realistic and we are at the very limit of what is affordable. We will be working hard to keep people moving this weekend and hope everyone attending the festival has a great time."