Total cost of replacement buses revealed after hole discovered in tram track
The replacement buses will connect with trams at Gleadless Townend, taking travellers to Halfway
Buses to replace Sheffield trams that can't run because of a large hole under the tracks will cost more than £275,000.
Tram replacement buses are now required to maintain connectivity of the transport network, following the discovery of a historic mineshaft at Birley Lane two months ago.
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) have awarded a contract to First South Yorkshire bus company to cover routes during the closure, at a cost of £276,322.
SYMCA contacted 14 other bus operators to support with mobilisation within 3 days.
The replacement buses will connect with trams at Gleadless Townend, taking travellers to Halfway where the service terminates to ensure continuity of travel.
The old well was discovered under the tram tracks in the south of the city back in August, which suspended tram services in the area.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said the hole likely dates back to when the area was used for coal mining. In a social media post after the discovery, he said: "It looks like when this section of the Supertram network was built back in the early 1990s, the track was laid directly over it.
"As far as we can tell, it wasn't documented in the records we have today.
He said: "I know how much people rely on the tram network every day. The tram team will share updates as the work progresses, explain what we're finding and how long repairs are likely to take."
At a SYMCA board meeting on 27 October Mr Coppard said: "I know some people have been frustrated by the Birley tram hole.
"We are continuing to work at pace to resolve that issue and I will talk about that more in the public domain as soon as possible when I've got more information.
"I do not underestimate the challenge that is creating for communities, businesses and for people in that neck of the woods.
"You have my sympathies and my apologies."