Final chance for 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' to have your say on future of Supertram fleet
“We're transforming public transport across South Yorkshire, and bringing in a brand-new fleet of trams is a huge part of those ambitions”
South Yorkshire’s trams are set to be replaced after 30 years’ of operation and members of the public are being offered the chance to suggest their ideas for the new fleet.
A public consultation for the next generation of Supertram launched on August 10, and hundreds have already submitted their ideas.
But South Yorkshire Mayor Combined Authority (SYMCA) wants to hear from more members of the public and is urging people to have their say.
SYMCA took charge of Supertram in 2024, and is investing £90 million into a new fleet of trams.
The local authority has shared models showing how seating in the new fleet may be laid out, but stressed this is not the final design and they will take public feedback on board.
It comes after SYMCA announced South Yorkshire People’s Network, a complete rebrand of the region’s public transport system - with buses also set to be brought under public control next year.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “We're transforming public transport across South Yorkshire, and bringing in a brand-new fleet of trams is a huge part of those ambitions.
"It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We’re investing £90 million on the new trams, and we need to make the most of it.
"The trams have been part of our lives for more than 30 years - helping us get to work, school, appointments, days out and so much more. They've served South Yorkshire brilliantly, but they're getting past the point where we need to update them if we want to make sure the network is fit for the future.”
The survey can be completed online until September 18, with SYMCA also hosting in-person sessions this week.
People can join the public meetings, which are set to feature fleet mock-ups and design concepts, at Riverside House in Rotherham on September 8 or the Workstation on Paternoster Row in Sheffield on September 9.
Feedback gathered through the survey and exhibitions will inform the specification for the new fleet, with topics of discussion including step-free access, seating layouts, space for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles, safety features, air conditioning, onboard information screens, journey information and other improvements that could make journeys easier and more comfortable.
“We want our new trams to be easy to use, accessible, comfortable and reliable; making it simpler for us all to get around,” Mayor Coppard added.
"Whether you use the tram every day, every now and then, or you'd like to use it more in future, come along to one of our exhibitions, take part in the survey and tell us what you'd like to see.
"Public transport in South Yorkshire is getting better and we’re making a tram network we can be proud of for generations to come."