Sheffield Supertram: Free day passes, apology and chocolate handed out to commuters over 'not great' service
Supertram commuters are being given free day passes, an apology note and a chocolate this morning over a “not great” service in recent weeks.
The Sheffield tram service has had a difficult month, with staffing issues and cable damage leading to an unprecedented rise in cancellations and disruptions.
As well as this, the service drew criticism for announcing there would be no trams running to or from Hillsborough in the two hours before and after the Steel City Derby.
Today, Supertram staff were at different tram stops in the city handing out free day pass vouchers along with a printed apology .
The vouchers, each printed with a large smiley face, are good for one free day pass and valid for seven days from November 28.
The printed apology reads: “We’re sorry.
“Over the last few weeks, and the last few days in particular, the performance of the Supertram network hasn’t been great. We know.”
The statement points to infrastructure issues and poorly staff for recent cancellations, and commits to communicating better, fix damages and hire more staff.
“We’re going to rebuild the world class public transport network South Yorkshire used to have, so you can rely on the Supertram every day,” the note reads. “But for now, we’re really sorry if we’ve let you down.
“Thank you for sticking with us while we make the changes that will give us the public transport network we need and deserve.”
Mayor for South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard will also host a public meeting at 5.30pm on December 1 at the Showroom Workstation in Sheffield to discuss Supertram.
In a series of stories this week with The Star, Mayor Coppard said: “[I] completely get that people are frustrated with that system and the way it’s been communicating and working - I am absolutely making sure that the Supertram team are in no uncertain terms clear about what needs to happen over the next few days and weeks.”
He claimed the operator’s plans include expanding the network to hospitals and Doncaster Sheffield Airport.