Blue & Yellow routes: Supertram announces reduced timetable drawn up to address driver availability issues
A reduced timetable for Sheffield Supertram’s Blue and Yellow routes, which has been drawn up to address driver availability issues, comes into force today.
The timetable is temporary, and will only be in place for a short period, say operators.
As part of the temporary timetable, trams on the Blue and Yellow routes will run at a reduced frequency of every 15 minutes instead of every 12 minutes.
Services on Sundays remain unaffected, however, operating to the usual timetable.
Supertram has warned the affected services may be busier as a result of the reduced number of trams, and passengers are advised to allow extra time during peak periods.
The Blue route operates between Halfway and Malin Bridgethe Yellow route operates between Meadowhall and Middlewood.
The Purple route and Tram Train services will remain unaffected.
Sean English, Managing Director from Supertram said: “We’re currently experiencing reduced driver availability due to our in-progress driver training programmes and increased sickness levels.
“To maintain a reliable service, we have made the decision to introduce a temporary timetable on selected routes. We’re very sorry for any inconvenience and encourage passengers to check the latest timetable on the Travel South Yorkshire website or mobile app.
“Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to restore normal service as soon as possible.”
Supertram says the changes have been designed to minimise disruption and ensure the most reliable service possible across the wider network. All accessibility arrangements will remain unchanged.
The operator says its changes to the Supertram driver training programmes are progressing well, and consequently, the temporary timetable is expected to be in place only for a short period.
Supertram says it will continue to keep customers updated as driver availability improves.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) took the Supertram network back under public control in May 2024, with a pledge to invest over £600m to improve the system, including £110m by 2027.
This includes upgrades to trams, track, control systems and power supplies alongside the construction of a new Tram Train station at Magna.
Initiatives including allowing dogs on trams, fare freezes and reducing the price of a long-distance ticket to £3 from next year have also been introduced.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, is set to host a public meeting to hear directly about people’s experiences and answer questions about what SYMCA is doing to get Supertram back on track – including doing everything possible to fix problems, hire more staff, and communicate what’s happening.
The public meeting will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025 from 6 - 7.30pm (with refreshments from 5.30pm) at Creative Lounge, The Showroom Workstation, Sheffield City Centre, S1 2BX.
Registration is available at https://.supertram.eventbrite.co.uk
Supertram will provide a further update on when the timetable will go back to normal in due course. The temporary timetable can be found at https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/en-gb/supertram/home
More information about disruptions: https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/en/GB/LandingPage/Disruptions