News: New Parkgate link road spurs landowner into action

The construction of a new £12m transport scheme in Rotherham has led to a prominent landowner putting forward proposals to take advantage of the improvements in the area around Parkgate Shopping.

Outline plans show some 434,862 sq ft of new commercial space on brownfield land.

Work began at the start of 2023 on a new 800 metre road between Aldwarke Lane and both Stonerow Way and Stadium Way which is set to provide a second access route to Parkgate Shopping, via a roundabout between the two railway bridges. It is designed to relieve existing congestion on the A633 around Parkgate Shopping and improve traffic flow and bus journey times on the corridor and wider road network.

The Stadium Group, which successfully developed the retail park in the Enterprise Zone created on the former Parkage steel works, has now used the link road as a catalyst to look again at a remaining 22 acre plot of land bordered by Aldwarke Lane, Parkgate Shopping, the railway line and the new link road.

Plans, drawn up by Tetra Tech and DLA Architecture, explain that the land was historically used to dispose of blast furnace slag associated with the former Parkgate Steel works and formerly contained coke ovens, a tarred slag works, railway sidings, liquid waste lagoons and a subsequent aggregate working plant.

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Remaining undeveloped, the site was designated to be a mixed use area in the borough's local plan in 2018 and various options have been looked at.

Initial discussion from 2021 show that 260 residential apartments were considered but leisure uses were discounted due to concerns over viability. Therefore, the first plans to come forward are for a range of industrial buildings covering the whole site.

Outline plans show five units for B2 General industrial and B8 Storage or distribution with a gross external area of 434,862 sq ft.

With the new link road, access would be from Aldwarke Lane and Stadium Way / Stonerow Way, where a new park & ride facility is being created for the Sheffield - Rotherham tram train.

The proposal is larger than the similar recent application for 330,000 sq ft of commercial buildings on surplus land at the Sewage Treatment Works at Aldwarke where applicants say over 800 new jobs could be created.

Previous plans from the Stadium Group for the land have included a 2004 scheme based around an 11 pitch soccer dome with a health and fitness club and swimming pool, plus new retail and restaurant units.

The plans were recommended for approval but developers withdrew when the council included a condition that permission would only be granted with a £1.6m contribution towards the construction of a new road between Stonerow Way including a bridge over the railway line.

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News: Contractor lined up for new Rotherham link road

A national contractor is in line to take on the multimillion pound transport scheme that aims to improve the area around Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported in November that South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) had submited plans for the works following a period of consutation.

Plans show that the proposed new 800 metre Parkgate Link Road between Aldwarke Lane and both Stonerow Way and Stadium Way will provide a second access route to Parkgate Shopping, via a roundabout between the two railway bridges. It is designed to relieve existing congestion on the A633 around Parkgate Shopping and improve traffic flow and bus journey times on the corridor and wider road network.

As a decision is awaited on the application, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has gained board approval to release the funds.

£11.55m from the Transforming Cities Fund towards total project costs of £12.86m will be used for the new link road, a new 268 space car park specifically for the tram-train service and the widening to the southern entry and exit arms of the nearby Taylors Lane roundabout.

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Approval has also been sought to appoint Tilbury Douglas to undertake the construction of the link road and construct the park and ride facility.

The contract, worth £8,420,930, is subject to securing planning permission, securing funding, and completion of legal documentation with landowners, Stadium and the Parkgate Rotherham Unit Trust.

Tilbury Douglas is a remaining division of British construction company, Interserve, that collapsed into administration in 2019 before being saved by creditors.

Interserve's recent work in the area includes the £12m contract for the refurbishment and upgrade of Rotherham Interchange.

The corridor is the main arterial route from Rotherham town centre to the conurbations to the north including Parkgate, Kilnhurst, Rawmarsh, Swinton and the Dearne Valley. The road also passes through an area of dense retail and the only access to Parkgate Shopping is from a single roundabout.

One of the busiest routes in South Yorkshire, the A633 Rotherham Road carries approximately 30 buses per hour in each direction. Traffic congestion in the area causes significant delays to bus services not only in the morning and evening peaks, but also at weekends.

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News: Plans in for £13m Rotherham link road

A planning application has been submitted for a long-awaited transport scheme that aims to improve the area around Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) has submited plans for the works following a period of consutation.

Plans show that the proposed new 800 metre Parkgate Link Road between Aldwarke Lane and both Stonerow Way and Stadium Way will provide a second access route to Parkgate Shopping, via a roundabout between the two railway bridges. It is designed to relieve existing congestion on the A633 around Parkgate Shopping and improve traffic flow and bus journey times on the corridor and wider road network.

£11.52m is required from the Sheffield City Region (now the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority) Transforming Cities Fund towards project costs of £12.86m.

The proposed new link road will also provide a safer and more attractive environment for walking and cycling via a shared footway / cycleway.

The new road provides the opportunity to access a proposed new 300 space Park & Ride facility for the tram-train to be located on brownfield land close to the existing Matalan store. 42 spaces are electric vehicle bays.

The privately-owned brownfield site was allocated for mixed use development in the borough's local plan and the road could open the remainder of the site for regeneration. It has not yet been finalised if the site is in line for a proposed new mainline station for Rotherham.

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The plans, drawn up by consultatns at ELG Planning, states: "The location of the proposed park and ride facility is well-related to the recently completed Rotherham Parkgate tram-train station and will enable commuters and visitors to the area to leave their vehicles and access Rotherham, Sheffield and other local destinations via public transport. The proposals will therefore encourage increased uptake in the use of public transport, which in turn will help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution and improve mobility around nearby town and city centres in line with well-established sustainability objectives.

"The proposed park and ride facility is therefore an entirely acceptable form of development in this location in principle and is a use specifically identified as part of the mixed use development of the wider site.

"The site is allocated for a mix of uses, including employment floorspace, non-residential institutions and assembly and leisure and the proposed development will therefore secure the provision of the necessary road infrastructure to support the delivery of the redevelopment of the wider site, which will deliver a number of social, economic and environmental benefits for the local area."

A detailed transport assessment has been carried out and the plans conclude: "It has been identified that there is traffic congestion along the route of the A633, particularly between Stadium Way roundabout and Great Eastern Way roundabout, owing in part to the popularity of the Parkgate Shopping Park.

"Previous studies commissioned by SYPTE have identified that the application site could provide a potential link road to alleviate traffic loadings on the A633 and the submitted Transport Assessment confirms that the proposed link road will result in the redistribution of a portion of the existing arrivals and departures from the Parkgate Shopping Park. This redistribution will result in shorter and more time efficient journeys to and from the site and will deliver higher level benefits to congestion and air quality."

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News: Employers urged to share return to workplace plans to inform future shape of region's public transport

Transport bosses have said that they will work with South Yorkshire businesses to better understand their work and travel plans in a post-pandemic future, to inform a roadmap to rebuild the region’s public transport network.

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) is contacting hundreds of regional businesses to research how employees could return to the workplace once Coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

“As we optimistically look forward to exiting the pandemic, engaging businesses on what their employees need and expect from bus and tram services will help our recovering public transport network to ensure services are both convenient and viable. We must make our public transport system one that serves communities and helps people get to the places they need to be”, says the Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, Dan Jarvis.

The Employer Survey, launched in March, follows SYPTE research in 2020 that looked at peoples’ travel habits in and beyond lockdown.

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“We want to understand what future commuting patterns will be like and make sure we’re rebuilding South Yorkshire’s public transport network to meet those travel needs”, says Tim Taylor, Director of Customer Services at SYPTE.

“We’re asking if employees will carry on working from home? Do businesses predict a quick return to the office and will people be working there full or part time? And for those heading back to the workplace, how are they planning to travel there? The answers to these questions will help to identify expected demand on the network and contribute to shaping our recovery plans for public transport, walking and cycling. Our priority is to ensure that everyone can travel safely and that we keep South Yorkshire moving.”

Employers in South Yorkshire can take part in the survey, which should only take a few minutes to complete, until Wednesday 28 April 2021 on the Travel South Yorkshire website.

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News: Consultation starts on Parkgate link road

Consultation has begun on proposals to ease congestion and improve transport, walking and cycling infrastructure at Parkgate in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported earlier this month that multimillion pound plans were being outlined, including a £7m new access route into Parkgate Shopping from Aldwarke Lane.

Also in the proposals are a 300 space Park and Ride site at the tram-train stop and road widening to the southern entry and exit arms of the Taylors Lane roundabout on the A633.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) is now getting ready to submit a planning application for the works in the summer.

£11.52m is required from the Sheffield City Region's (SCR's) Transforming Cities Fund towards project costs of £12.86m.

Consultation documents show that the proposed new 800 metre Parkgate Link Road between Aldwarke Lane and both Stonerow Way and Stadium Way will provide a second access route to Parkgate Shopping, via a roundabout between the two railway bridges. It is designed to relieve existing congestion on the A633 around Parkgate Shopping and improve traffic flow and bus journey times on the corridor and wider road network.

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The proposed new link road will also provide a safer and more attractive environment for walking and cycling via a shared footway / cycleway. It will also unlock the brownfield land between Aldwarke Lane and Parkgate Shopping for development.

The road provides the opportunity to access a proposed new 300 space Park & Ride facility for the tram-train (a £3.4m project) to be located on brownfield land close to the existing Matalan store.

The innovative tram-train service began operation in 2018, connecting Parkgate with Rotherham town centre, Meadowhall and Sheffield city centre. Scheme proponents say that by "capturing Sheffield, Meadowhall and Rotherham bound vehicular traffic at this location it would alleviate congestion on the wider network and improve air quality."

Proposed work to the Taylors Lane roundabout (a £1.7m project), which also provides the entrance to another retail park at Great Eastern Way, includes the widening of entry and exit points and extension of two 150m lane sections at the southern arm. This is designed to provide additional capacity at the roundabout, further relieve existing congestion on the A633 and improve traffic flow and bus journey times on the corridor and wider road network.

SYPTE Director of Customer Services, Tim Taylor, said: “Our proposals for Parkgate aim to bring benefits to everyone living in, working at and visiting the area. By easing congestion and improving traffic flow these changes will offer greener journey options for a cleaner environment.

“The proposed new link road and highway improvements will improve bus reliability and journey times in the area, as well as access to the Tram Train network and a proposed new, larger capacity Park & Ride. New public realm proposals also aim to encourage more active travel, by making it easier to walk and cycle around Parkgate.

“This important consultation will shape how we progress to the next stage of our proposals for the area’s highway, walking and cycling infrastructure. We’re seeking views to develop our plans and we are encouraging everyone that lives, shops or works at Parkgate, or uses the local transport network, to have their say on the proposals.”

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, Cllr Denise Lelliot said: “These plans for investment in better cycling, walking and public transport options offer huge benefits for people’s health and wellbeing and the environment, as well as for the local economy. I urge everyone who uses this area to examine these proposals and ensure Rotherham gets the very best from this scheme.”

Online Q&A sessions are planned and feedback can be submitted until April 16.

Rotherham Council documents have the schemes expected completiion dates of March 2023.

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News: Network Rail and partners launch Tram Train Pilot Learning Hub

It was once branded an example of "how not to run a rail project" and now others can learn from the experience of designing, constructing and operating Britain's first Tram Train system.

Starting services in 2018, passengers in South Yorkshire were the first in the country to benefit from the innovative pilot project where special vehicles use pioneering technology to run on both Sheffield's tramlines and the rail network in Rotherham. Funded by the Government, the trial aims to show how similar services can be introduced across the country.

In 2017 the Public Accounts Committee looked at the issues of cost increases and delays, the under-estimation of the scale and complexity of the works, and the risks involved in delivering new technology. It said that it had all the makings of a "how not to" seminar for future projects.

Generally, Tram Trains can provide new journeys and connections with much less infrastructure than totally new tram or rail routes. Passengers can make a single, seamless journey between light rail tram stops and conventional heavy rail stations. And with many being electric or battery-powered they are better for the environment.

The launch of the hub is a key part of the scheme which runs between Sheffield Cathedral and Rotherham Parkgate via Rotherham Central station, linking previously unconnected areas.

The pilot, funded by the DfT, has been running for two years to test customer satisfaction, passenger numbers, reliability and costs. The scheme has proven popular and scored 96% for user satisfaction on the latest independent survey by Transport Focus.

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The hub is a comprehensive body of learning available free of charge that will benefit and boost future light and heavy rail hybrid schemes like Tram Train. It is hosted by the web-based SharpCloud system and is further enhanced by easy navigation, a high-quality graphic interface and updates through to mid-2021.

Simon Coulthard, Network Rail’s Head of Light Rail Knowledge & Development, said: “The launch of the learning hub marks another major milestone in the delivery of the Tram Train Pilot. I thank my colleagues in SYPTE, Supertram and Network Rail for helping to compile the information and data that makes this a very comprehensive learning resource. I hope colleagues in the industry will find the hub valuable as they assess the potential for Tram Train elsewhere.”

The launch of the hub marks the first major deliverable for Network Rail’s new Light Rail Knowledge team which is part of the Network Services directorate. The team, led by Simon, has been created to provide a centre of excellence in Network Rail for light rail matters. Simon, and Light Rail Knowledge Manager Alex Dodds, work closely with colleagues and stakeholders to share learning from the Tram Train Pilot and help assess the next generation of light rail schemes that could benefit passengers and communities.

Alex, who maintains the hub, said: “It’s taken a huge effort by all the partners to bring our collective learning into one accessible forum. I’m really excited to be sharing our knowledge and helping the development of future light rail schemes.”

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News: South Yorkshire bus review findings announced

Insufficient funding, lack of leadership and a lack of accountability are the three root causes in the decline in bus passenger numbers in South Yorkshire, the Independent Bus Commission has found.

The commission, chaired by Clive Betts MP, shared their findings and recommendations with Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, who commissioned the review last year.

The Bus Review Report, which was concluded before the Coronavirus pandemic, took into consideration the experiences and feedback from 5,900 members of the public, bus users, community groups, businesses and interest groups, of the impact poor and unreliable bus services have had on their lives. This evidence, as well as evidence from bus operators, local authorities, the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and others, has contributed towards the findings and a number of recommendations aimed at providing passengers with a bus service that meets their needs.

Rotherham had the highest percentage of survey respondents that were very dissatisfied with bus reliability (35%). Poor connectivity to the key asset of the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham is also highlighted.

On funding, evidence from Campaign for Better Transport estimated that funding for bus services in England has fallen by more than £162m (43%) since 2009/10. These figures are similar in South Yorkshire, where SYPTE's budget has declined by 40% over the last decade.

The report found a lack of leadership by bus operators, SYPTE, local authorities and the Sheffield City Region Executive team. The review found that there were too many layers of leadership without the leverage and power to be able to deliver real change, and the opportunity for single leadership in the Mayor had been impeded by the lack of a devolution deal agreed with Government.

Regarding accountability, the review found that having an arms-length organisation, such as SYPTE, has not allowed local authorities the opportunity to make decisions about bus services – but has allowed them to shy away from responsibility.

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The review recommended that a simpler ticketing system and the exploration of innovative fare structures were investigated. The review highlighted concerns about SYPTE's leadership of the bus partnership and their approach to holding operators to account.

Over the last decade this has all resulted in poor frequency, poor reliability and poor quality and accessibility of services across South Yorkshire.

The review also found that there was poor connectivity between bus services and other modes of transport. One example, which was presented to the commission, meant that a four-mile journey required three changes, and the hourly bus service arrived after the hourly train service had departed.

Commissioners heard from passengers and representative groups about how bus service changes had impacted their lives, in some cases experiencing life-changing consequences. User groups highlighted the distress and confusion that service changes cause passengers, particularly disabled passengers.

Evidence also showed that passengers were having to endure bus service changes on a more regular basis than the timescales detailed in the bus partnership. Examples were also cited of bus routes being discontinued or re-routed without sufficient communication and lack of meaningful consultation.

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: "Our bus system is vitally important for our economy and environment, and for too long it has been neglected. Passengers have suffered. Following the findings of the review and its recommendations, we owe it to them to provide a first-class bus service and one they can rely on.

"In difficult circumstances, with yearly cuts to budgets, we have lost sight of what a good bus service looks like and it's time that we regain this perspective. This is not going to be an easy task, especially in the current climate of a health and economic crisis. But we do now have a golden opportunity to build back better – providing a bus system that properly serves passengers, the economy and the environment."

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News: Tram-train marks one million passenger journeys

The innovative tram-train service between Rotherham and Sheffield has marked its one millionth passenger journey this month, as the popular service reaches its first-year milestone.

Passengers in South Yorkshire are the first in the country to benefit from the innovative pilot project where special vehicles use pioneering technology to run on both Sheffield's tramlines and the rail network in Rotherham. Funded by the Government, the trial aims to show how similar services can be introduced across the country.

The service has celebrated a 100% customer satisfaction rate and recently won the prestigious Global Light Rail Award for "Team of the Year."

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: "Our region is steeped in rail heritage. We were home to the world-famous Flying Scotsman and Mallard, and now we've successfully pioneered the UK's first tram-train.

"We're proud to be leading the way with light rail innovation, and are now seeing other towns and cities look to us, to use our technology as a blueprint for similar schemes across the UK.

"It's great to see that more than a million people have used the Tram Train over the last year. I look forward to seeing the system continue to thrive, as part of the programme of transport improvements that I’m rolling out to make our network fit for the 21st century."

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Funded by the Department for Transport, the industry pilot is a partnership between South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), Network Rail and Stagecoach Supertram, to test the connectivity and economic potential of Tram Train technology to see if it can be used elsewhere.

Light Rail Minister, Baroness Vere, said: "The award-winning tram-train gives passengers cleaner, more frequent and more reliable journeys across Sheffield and Rotherham.

"This pioneering project has brought together innovation, state-of-the-art technology and our existing infrastructure to give passengers better journeys, and lays the groundwork for more ambitious transport schemes right across the country."

SYPTE Executive Director, Stephen Edwards, added: "While South Yorkshire's award-winning tram-train pilot is a first for the UK, the first year of service has been hugely successful. Both customer satisfaction and passenger numbers are exceeding expectations and we hope that continues.

"Our region is leading the way for tram-train learning and application in the industry. We're proud to deliver this important pilot locally, and to be part of the future opportunities the pioneering technology could provide, both for our region and beyond."

Simon Coulthard, Senior Sponsor for Network Rail, said: "The first year of tram-train has been hugely successful and we are delighted to have played a part in the introduction of this pioneering technology which is better connecting cities and towns across South Yorkshire.

"We look forward to working with our partners to deliver further improvements and providing even more benefits for passengers."

Tim Bilby, Managing Director of Stagecoach Supertram, said: "We are delighted that within the first year over one million passenger journeys have already been made on the tram-train service. Passenger numbers and customer satisfaction have exceeded expectations, proving that Tram Train offers an affordable and efficient way to connect Sheffield City Centre and Rotherham.

"We will continue to work with our project partners to further develop the tram-train service within the region."

Plans to develop the tram-train over the longer term include a 300 space park and ride site for the terminus at Parkgate and a new tram-train stop at Magna, facilitating a new 150 space park and ride site.

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News: £408m - the cost of Supertram renewal revealed

Transport bosses in the Sheffield city region (SCR) have revealed that the up front capital cost of renewing the existing Supertram network is over £400m.

Rothbiz reported last year on consultation in connection to developing a business case that will be submitted to the Department for Transport to support the funding of any renewal works. As part of this business case all possible options were explored, and consulted on and then a preferred option for the system needs to be submitted.

Now a report to the SCR gives an update on the business case and has set the financial implications for the preferred option of renewing the network and vehicles between 2024-28 at c.£408m.

Opened in 1994, Sheffield's Supertram system cost £240m and now serves major residential and employment sites in Sheffield. A delayed tram-train pilot project brought new vehicles to Rotherham in 2018.

Stagecoach's operating contract runs until 2024. Stagecoach assumed responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the network. Ownership of the asset remains with SYPTE. Early marketing testing has commenced as to the interest from other operating companies who may be considering a future bid to operate the network.

The SCR is prioritising the delivery of a permanent tram-train service between Sheffield and Rotherham and future proofing the existing Supertram network.

The renewal of the asset is also considered essential should the region look to exploit and expand the current network beyond its current operations. The success of the tram-train pilot could indicate that this technology can be applied to extend services to other parts of the region, such as Waverley/AMID, Barnsley or Doncaster.

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Following the essential works carried out in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2018, engineering works are continuing to replace track that was laid in the 1990's but the asset is approaching the end of its economic life. The preferred option for renewal would allow Supertram to operate until at least 2054.

It was expected that following a submission to the Government in October 2019, the renewal project would receive "Programme Entry" by March 2020 with a full business case submitted by April 2022. However the initial targeted pot of transport funding no longer exists.

Tim Taylor, director of customer services at SYPTE, said in the report: "Whilst ongoing general maintenance costs are paid for by the current tram operator (Stagecoach), there is no funding currently in place for the long-term renewal of the system. Investment is therefore needed to allow the Supertram network to operate for at least another 30 years, and central government funding will be required to support this.

"A recent meeting with DfT confirmed that projects such as Supertram renewal do not have a "home" elsewhere within another DfT programme i.e. there is no other existing funding stream which could fund the renewal project.

"It has therefore been agreed that a direct approach to Treasury (supported by DfT), as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) process as the most appropriate means of securing the necessary funding. This is in keeping with the approach taken recently by Nexus (the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive) for the renewal of their Metro train fleet."

Other options have to be considered and these include refurbishing the existing fleet of trams, closing and decommissioning the network and replacing the tram network with a Bus Rapid Transit network.

If the preferred option goes forward, a local contribution of 7-10% (£29-42m) would be expected. This has been a thorny issue for council leaders in Doncaster and Barnsley who haven't wanted to see costs passed on to local authorities.

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News: £220m transport bid agreed

Ambitious proposals for the future of the Sheffield City Region's (SCR's) transport network were agreed by the Mayoral Combined Authority this week, and will now be submitted to Government.

As reported by Rothbiz last month, the SCR has put together a bid to the Government's Transforming Cities Fund to back its new transport strategy.

The majority of the fund, to improve local transport connections, was divvied up to regions which had elected mayors, for them to control and spend as they see fit. As the SCR did not have an elected mayor at the time, the combined authority has had to bid into the remaining funds.

The bid, for up to £220m in funding, focuses on three large areas which could most benefit from significant improvements across rail, public transport and active travel schemes. The aim is to reduce journey times, cut congestion, improve punctuality and reliability, and bring about a wide range of benefits associated with active travel, such as improved health and wellbeing.

It focuses on three key transit corridors – the Don Valley, Dearne Valley and Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID).

Dan Jarvis,mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, said: "It is critical that we improve the transport system in our region, to create better access to major employment sites, reduce congestion, better integrate different modes of transport and make our transport network fit for the 21st century.

"That's why it's so important that we get this Transforming Cities Fund bid right, and why we've been working closely with partners across South Yorkshire to ensure that our bid has real potential to drive transformational change for our communities.

"Improving our transport links is crucial for growing our economy as we develop a Global Innovation Corridor, linking residents and businesses to our internationally-significant assets in areas such as advanced manufacturing, health and wellbeing, and engineering.

"I now look forward to working with the Department for Transport as we develop our detailed plans."

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Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, said: "It is critical that we improve the transport system in our region, to create better access to major employment sites, reduce congestion, better integrate different modes of transport and make our transport network fit for the 21st century.

"That's why it's so important that we get this Transforming Cities Fund bid right, and why we've been working closely with partners across South Yorkshire to ensure that our bid has real potential to drive transformational change for our communities.

"Improving our transport links is crucial for growing our economy as we develop a Global Innovation Corridor, linking residents and businesses to our internationally-significant assets in areas such as advanced manufacturing, health and wellbeing, and engineering.

"I now look forward to working with the Department for Transport as we develop our detailed plans."

In order to develop the business case, a Project Board was then established, led by the SCR Executive Team and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), which considered potential schemes put forward by the four local authorities in South Yorkshire.

For Rotherham schemes include:

- connecting Maltby to Rotherham town centre with bus lanes and junction improvements
- bus priority measures on the A630
- active travel improvements between Barnsley and Rotherham town centres and the Dearne Valley
- creating a new access into Parkgate, as well as a new 300-space park and ride site
- providing a new station on the tram-train network at Magna
- low-emission buses

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Rotherham Council's Cabinet member for Jobs and the Local Economy, said: "I welcome the Mayor's improvement plan for travel across South Yorkshire.

"In Rotherham this will include schemes to reduce traffic congestion, improving bus lanes and maximising the benefits of the tram train as well as helping people to move about more easily."

Over four years, a minimum of £180m and a maximum of £220m is being sought from the TCF. If the SCR gains the maximum funding, £48m would go towards the River Don corridor, £73m to the Dearne Valley and £99m to AMID.

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News: Satisfaction high amongst tram-train users

The innovative tram-train service between Rotherham and Sheffield is certainly on the right track when it comes to passenger satisfaction.

An independent survey by Transport Focus for operator, Stagecoach, has revealed that 100% of respondents are satisfied with the overall journey and journey time on the route which uses the heavy rail line from Meadowhall to Parkgate and the tram network in Sheffield.

Passengers in South Yorkshire are the first in the country to benefit from the innovative pilot project, which entered public service at the end of October. Funded by the Government, the trial uses special vehicles and pioneering technology and aims to show how similar services can be introduced across the country.

It has not been without its problems, from being late and over budget, to a derailment on the first day of services. This week services were suspended for a day due to a vehicle fault which led to the requirement for further checks to be carried out on other Citylink trams.

For the first time the survey asked passengers on the new tram-train service for their views. Satisfaction with the overall journey and journey time on this route was 100%, and 92% were satisfied with the value for money.

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Tim Bilby, managing director at Stagecoach Supertram, said: "These survey results are a great endorsement of the commitment and hard work our people at Supertram put into delivering an excellent service for our customers.

"We are particularly pleased that the survey supports our own findings that the new Tram Train service has been extremely popular with users, and it is providing a key new link in South Yorkshire's public transport network.

"We offer high-quality, great value, fast, frequent and punctual tram services which connect easily to other modes of transport and it's great to see that our customers have recognised that.

"People in Sheffield and Rotherham rightly take great pride in their tram network and we work hard every day to deliver the services that they rely on to access employment, education, health and leisure facilities. Along with SYPTE, we are also involved in helping to safeguard the tram network for many years to come through the on-going rail replacement project. However, we are not complacent and will continue to challenge ourselves to do even better."

Tim Taylor, director of customer services at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), added: "Supertram is a popular travel option and it's great to have such a positive response to this survey, year-on-year. It's especially encouraging to note, while 41% of the most satisfied respondents have easy access to private transport, they choose to use the tram. We're also particularly pleased with passenger satisfaction on Tram Train services.

"It's reassuring to receive such a good response after the short time services have been running. Together with Stagecoach, we're committed to continuing to make improvements and invest in the future of the network, for even better customer journeys."

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News: Free parking spaces in Rotherham increasing to 1,000

Visitors to Rotherham will soon benefit from 1,000 free weekend parking spaces in the town centre.

From Saturday April 6, parking will be free on Saturdays in the Drummond Street and Wellgate Multi-storey car parks – as well as on Forge Island.

New parking incentives have been introduced over the years, but the authority has stopped short of offering free parking across the board.

Last year saw half the current free "red zone" spaces provided in Forge Island transferred to the Council's car park at Drummond Street where customers are entitled to one session of two hours free parking per day in a limited number of parking bays.

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Most town parking fees have been frozen again and previously introduced offers included visitors claiming two hours free parking at the expiration of a two hour session purchased in some town centre Council operated off-street car parks on Saturdays.

The cost of day parking is set to increase from £3 to £3.50 on Forge Island and in the temporary car park at The Statutes where regeneration proposals are moving ahead.

Spaces are set to be re-introduced on Forge Island now that the temporary bus station has closed and the revamped Interchange has re-opened.

The £12m refurb of Rotherham Interchange includes structural repairs and deck defect repairs to the multi-storey car park (pictured) as well as the painting of columns and ceilings to improve the visual appearance and new cladding, comprising a non-flammable expanded metal mesh mounted on a frame, fully covering the exterior of the car park.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Rotherham Council's Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, said: "More permanent free parking at weekends will help shoppers and businesses alike.

"Shopping and spending leisure time in the town centre, including at the many cafés and restaurants, gives a vital boost to local businesses. If everyone spent just a few pounds locally each week, it would make a huge difference to Rotherham's businesses."

Images: SYPTE

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News: Rotherham Interchange reopens after £12m refurb

Rotherham Interchange has reopened following a £12m refurbishment scheme.

As part of plans to regenerate Rotherham town centre, Interserve has carried out work on the site which had associated public safety issues and suffered a fire in 2016 which caused significant damage.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) holds a lease agreement with owners Norseman Estates Limited to maintain and operate the interchange and car park. The Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (CA) agreed to borrow £12.5m so that refurbishment of the important town centre asset could be carried out.

The ten-month closure incorporated 150,000 hours of construction work, using 10,000 litres of paint, and installing 11,000 floor tiles, 10km of electric cables, 3,800 sq m of cladding, 350 sheets of glass and twenty-one crates of solar panels to provide the building's energy needs.

Paul Ellenor, regional director for Interserve said: "We are delighted to be handing over the first phase of the Rotherham Interchange refurbishment project. The new facilities will provide an improved passenger experience and make a real difference to local residents. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Rotherham Council as it continues to invest in the town as part of its regeneration programme."

The car park above has new surfacing, larger parking bays and better pedestrian routes. 3,800 sq m of external cladding has been replaced and ten electric vehicle charging points have been installed.

Bus services have relocated back from the temporary station on Forge Island, where flood alleviation work is now due to get underway before the leisure-led regeneration scheme will bring a cinema, hotel and food and bevarage outlets to the key site.

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Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council (pictured, centre), said: "This facility is one of the major gateways into the town. It will enhance where we live, and benefit people arriving into the town centre via public transport. The refurbishment of the interchange follows the opening of the University Centre last summer. Both projects are major components of the town centre Masterplan, along with promoting sustainable travel, so it's great to see the Masterplan progressing as planned."

Stephen Edwards, executive director at SYPTE (pictured, right), said: "The improved Rotherham Interchange will provide a better, brighter place for public transport users as well as those visiting, living and working in the town. Seventeen million people travelling through the Interchange each year, using 1,299 buses a day, will now benefit from new seating, lighting, information displays, electrics and flooring, CCTV and free public wi-fi."

Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority (pictured, left), said: "I'm delighted to be opening the £12m refurbished Rotherham Interchange. Public transport provides vital access to employment, education, public services and social activities, so it's great to see these huge improvements that will make a real difference to people travelling around our region each and every day."

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News: Rotherham town centre safety concerns remain

Nearly a quarter of local pupils answering a question in an annual survey have expressed that they never feel safe in Rotherham town centre.

The Borough Wide Lifestyle Survey has been carried out since 2006 and was most recently carried out in May and June 2018. With a sample of 3,499 young people (52% of the relevant population), it is considered a valuable tool by Rotherham Council, helping to provide an idea of what young people understand and can enable the council to tailor services towards young people. Issues covered include food and drink, education, sexual health, bullying and safety.

The results showed that the percentage of young people saying that they visit Rotherham town centre has declined after an increase last year. 28.5% (843) of pupils said they visit Rotherham town centre regularly (at least once a week), compared to 33% in 2017 and 27% in 2016.

The 2018 results show the reasons pupils have visited Rotherham town centre are similar to in previous years. Overwhelmingly shopping is the main reason why pupils visit. Second choice is going to a football match at New York Stadium and third choice is meeting with friends.

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On the issue of safety in Rotherham town centre, 2015 results showed that just 18% of pupils said they felt safe in town centre and 82% said they did not feel safe.

Questions have been changed to ascertain how safe young people are feeling. In 2018 there has been an improvement in the percentage overall of pupils who said they always feel safe in Rotherham town centre. 19.3% (459) of pupils said they always feel safe, compared to 18% in 2017.

However, there has been an increase in the percentage of pupils who said they never feel safe - 23.3% (554) compared to 18.5% in 2017. Year 7 pupils are more likely to say they always feel safe and Y10 pupils are more likely to say they never feel safe.

There has been also been an increase in the percentage of pupils who say they never feel safe in at Rotherham bus station and train station, compared to 2017 results.

The survey also shows that 12.5% of pupils said they have never visited Rotherham town centre.

Survey writers say that they will share the results with key partners who can respond such as South Yorkshire Police, the town centre safety team and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) who operate the interchange.

The results are set to be discussed with local young people through groups such as the Youth Cabinet and the Different But Equal Board for their comments and thoughts on how this could be improved.

Cllr. Gordon Watson, Rotherham Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young Peoples' Services said: "We are committed to ensuring every child has the best start in life, which is why surveys like this are important for us to be able to hear and act on what our younger residents tell us is important to them. The annual results from this survey show that direct action is being taken by schools and other settings to help address issues that arise."

"Having the voice of the child represented in this way really helps us to understand what issues are affecting our young people and therefore helps us as a council and as a partnership to address any concerns, should they arise."

The introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), and the £12m revamp of the Interchange, are in part aimed at making visitors feel safer. The number of incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) continues to decline in Rotherham town centre.

In the longer term, the mixed-used leisure development proposed for Forge Island is designed to provide more family friendly reasons to visit Rotherham town centre.

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News: Tram-train arrival prompts parking restrictions at Parkgate

Visitors to the popular Parkgate Shopping retail park in Rotherham are being warned about a new Car Park Management Enforcement System restricting parking to five hours. It comes after the innovative tram train services began linking Parkgate with Rotherham, Meadowhall and Sheffield.

Passengers in South Yorkshire are the first in the country to benefit from the innovative tram-train pilot, which entered public service at the end of October. The special vehicles use pioneering technology to run on both Sheffield's tramlines and the rail network in Rotherham.

A new station has been built to the rear of Parkgate Shopping and an area of the car park near Matalan is now reserved for tram-train users - with 31 spaces.

Users of the service hoping to "park & ride" will need to use the reserved car park or move their vehicle before five hours if using the car park usually used by shoppers. New signs show that the free parking offer also comes with a "no return within two hours" rule.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), Northern Rail and Network Rail have been working together on the £100m+ pilot project which was first announced in 2009. Securing Government funding, the aim of the project is to help determine whether tram-trains can run in other parts of the country.

For the local area, the aim of the project is to help people in Sheffield and Rotherham travel to jobs, education and training. The extra transport link offers better connections between businesses in the two areas and across the region to help the local economy to grow.

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BMO Real Estate Partners owns Parkgate Shopping and private company, TPS UK, operates the car park. Back in 2009, civil enforcement officers at Rotherham Council commenced patrols of Parkgate Shopping with the intention of penalising people parking in a designated disabled bay with no valid blue badge or on double yellow lines.

Attracting seven million visitors a year, the park, which has 42 shops, has 2,000 free parking spaces including bays for blue badge holders and parents with young children.

A FAQ from SYPTE, explains: "There are 31 dedicated parking spaces for tram-train customers within Parkgate retail park. There is no charge for this parking. A "drop off/pick up" facility near the platform at Parkgate is also available for passengers using tram-train. Parking facilities outside of the 31 dedicated spaces for tram-train customers is subject to the parking terms and conditions of Parkgate retail park. This includes terms of maximum stay.

"Parking at Rotherham Central is managed by Northern Rail and is for Northern Rail customers only. Tram Train customers wishing to park close to the station should use the existing off-street car parks. SYPTE is proposing to provide additional parking facilities for Tram Train customers at Rotherham Interchange when it reopens in February. More information will be provided closer to this time.

"Park & ride facilities are available at Meadowhall and Nunnery Square for Supertram and tram-train customers."

It is understood that more tram-train stops could be introduced in other places if the pilot is successful and this can be funded. SYPTE's business plan for 2018 includes an aim to investigate the feasibility of a tram stop (and park & ride) at Magna in Rotherham.

The plan adds: "It is unlikely that tram-train will make a sufficient financial return on its own and there is a need to understand whether additional stops could support this in the longer term."

Supertram website
SYPTE website

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News: False start for Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train

Today was meant to be the first full day of operation for the pioneering tram-train project linking Sheffield and Rotherham but services where suspended until late this morning due to a derailment in Sheffield yesterday afternoon.

Carrying some of the first passengers from Rotherham, one of the newer vehicles, which have been operating on the Supertram network for over a year, was involved in a collision with a lorry at Staniforth Road, Attercliffe. The incident led to gridlock on the roads and services being suspended on Supertram's Yellow route between Cricket Inn Rd and Meadowhall and on the new Tram-train route to Rotherham Central and Parkgate.

The incident came just hours after Government ministers, transport bosses, local councillors and other dignitaries gathered to officially launch the trail project.

Project partners from Stagecoach Supertram, Network Rail, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and the Department for Transport were joined by representatives from local authorities and businesses for the unveiling of a commemorative nameplate by Jo Johnson MP Minister for Rail and the mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, Dan Jarvis.

Passengers in South Yorkshire are the first in the country to benefit from the innovative Tram Train pilot, which entered public service at 09.39 at Sheffield Cathedral. The special tram-type vehicles use pioneering technology to run on both Sheffield's tramlines and the rail network to Rotherham.

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Jo Johnson, rail minister said: "The first tram-train journey is a milestone moment that will give commuters cleaner, more frequent and more reliable journeys across Sheffield and Rotherham."

Details of timetables and tickets can be found here.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: "Today is a very important milestone and it is incredibly exciting to be travelling on this cutting-edge innovative tram vehicle, for the first time to Rotherham town centre and Parkgate."

The SYPTE, Northern Rail and Network Rail have been working together on the pilot project which was first announced in 2009. Securing Government funding, the aim of the project is to help determine whether tram-trains can run in other parts of the country.

A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) revealed that by December 2016, the cost of the works for the project, which had been given an initial estimate of £15m, had quadrupled to £75.1m, pushing the overall cost of the scheme over £100m when you add in the cost of procuring the vehicles.

The project was delayed a number of times as Network Rail got to grips with some of the heavy rail modifications, including power, track modifications, approvals and testing and commissioning.

Rob McIntosh, route managing director at Network Rail, said: "I'd like to thank the people of Sheffield and Rotherham for their patience while we developed, built and tested Tram Train. The project has been a complex one and it is genuinely exciting to be ready to welcome the first passengers on board.

"Tram Train will bring new choices for travellers in this area, supporting jobs and the local economy. It's also important to us at Network Rail as the national infrastructure provider, as it gives us different options when we are looking to improve connections between communities across Britain."

Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, added: "It's good to see schemes such as this transforming our transport network, which has suffered from years of underinvestment. For our economy to grow, and to ensure prosperity for all, we need to have an affordable and well-integrated public transport system that enables people to get to places of work, study and leisure quickly and easily.

"This the first step in transforming our region's transport system and making it fit for the 21st century."

The city region is looking at extending the mass transit network to enhance intra-regional connectivity. Tram, bus rapid transit, rail and highway options are included in new strategies.

The SYPTE is also investigating the feasibility of a tram stop and Park and Ride at Magna in Rotherham.

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News: Halfway point in Rotherham Interchange refurbishment

To mark the halfway point of the £12m Rotherham Interchange refurbishment works and highlight the contractors reaching the highest point in the building, local councillors, directors and project managers were invited on site.

Interserve, the international support services and construction group, won the contract for the work on the site which had associated public safety issues and suffered a fire in 2016 which caused significant damage.

Ben Gilligan, Director of Public Transport at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), said: "We now have a good view of how the works are shaping up and it’s exciting to see what’s about to come. The stripping of the building has been completed, much of the new glazing has been installed and the building has been re-wired.

"The top floor of the car park has been resurfaced and weather-proofed and the wider parking bays and pedestrian route painted. Twenty-one crates full of solar panels are ready to be placed on the roof in the coming weeks, providing at least 70% of the building's energy.

"Whilst there is still a fair bit of work to do within the concourse areas it's great to know that the works are on track. A sample of the ceiling cladding and lighting fixtures was in place and it was good to see how they'll improve customers' experience at the Interchange. The refurbishment will deliver safer, brighter and lighter premises for all users.

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The SYPTE holds a lease agreement with owners Norseman Estates Limited to maintain and operate the interchange and car park. The Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (CA) agreed to borrow £12.5m so that refurbishment of the important town centre asset can be carried out.

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, added: "The new interchange is a key part of our plans to regenerate Rotherham town centre, as part of the town centre masterplan, and promoting sustainable transport is an important element of this. Good progress is being made, and I look forward to seeing the work completed on this fantastic new facility for people visiting, living and working in Rotherham."

Paul Ellenor, regional director for Interserve, added: "The topping out ceremony is an important milestone in the delivery of the Rotherham Interchange refurbishment. It's great to see progress being made in transforming the facilities as part of Rotherham Council's exciting regeneration programme.

"Interserve, together with the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, is working hard to ensure we benefit the town by employing as many local people as possible, and by utilising its construction as an educational tool for various local schools and colleges.

"The team is looking forward to the next phase of works and ultimately delivering a sustainable Interchange facility that will serve the people of Rotherham for many years to come."

A temporary bus station is in place on the nearby Forge Island and the refurbished site is expected to re-open in early 2019.

Interserve website
SYPTE website

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News: Tram-train timetable fills in the gaps

Further details of the soon-to-launch tram-train service have been published by operator, Stagecoach Supertram.

Last week, Rothbiz reported that the Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train trial had finally been given a start date for the new innovative vehicles to start taking passengers between Sheffield city centre, Rotherham Central and Parkgate.

The new vehicles, designed to run on both the city's tramlines and the rail network between Sheffield and Rotherham, will begin taking passengers from Thursday October 25. Currently the first passenger service on the launch day is planned to depart Cathedral tram stop at 09:39 and Rotherham Parkgate at 10:09. It should take around 27 minutes to travel the full route.

Three services will operate an hour and will travel on the Supertram network between Sheffield Cathedral and Meadowhall South and utilise a new section of track at Tinlsey, which links the tram line to the rail line. Vehicles will use the national rail network between Tinsley and Rotherham Parkgate via Rotherham Central station.

The first full day of service is on Friday October 26 and details from Stagecoach show that the services will depart Cathedral tram stop at 5:27 and Rotherham Parkgate at 5:29. The last full services of the day depart at 22:31 from Parkgate and 22:00 from Cathedral.

Whilst other Supertram routes are coloured yellow, purple and blue, the tram-train route has not been given a colour. Instead, the new vehicles, which have been in use on the existing network for a year, will show "TT" on the front and rear where you would normally see a colour.

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The tram-train services will fill the gaps created at Rotherham Central by the Northern Rail trains running between Sheffield and Rotherham which are skewed and often leave a long gap between services.

For example, on weekday mornings, the service from Rotherham Central to Sheffield will now look like this:

8:02 - Tram-train to Sheffield Cathedral
8:12 - Tram-train to Sheffield Cathedral
8:28 - Train to Sheffield station
8:34 - Tram-train to Sheffield Cathedral
8:44 - Train to Sheffield station
8:57 - Train to Sheffield station

As an example of the prices, passengers will be able to get from Parkgate to Meadowhall for £1.80. A trip further than the FlyDSA Arena is £2.50.

Stagecoach is adding the full tram-train route onto its Tram Only ticket range, such as the £4 dayrider, for a promotional period until April 27 2019.

There are a range of tickets available in both the Sheffield and Rotherham fare zones that allow travel on the Supertram network, tram-train and buses.

Stagecoach has also confirmed that English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) passes are also valid on tram-train but are reminding users that railcards and general rail tickets are not valid for use on any Supertram service.

Stagecoach Supertram website

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News: Tram-tram to start later this month

Passengers in Sheffield and Rotherham will become the first in the country to use innovative new tram-train vehicles when a trial finally gets underway later this month.

The new vehicles, designed to run on both the city's tramlines and the rail network between Sheffield and Rotherham, will begin taking passengers from Thursday October 25.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), Northern Rail and Network Rail have been working together on the £100m+ pilot project which was first announced in 2009. Securing Government funding, the aim of the project is to help determine whether tram-trains can run in other parts of the country.

Steve Davenport from SYPTE said: "As project partner we are thrilled, to introduce tram-train services on South Yorkshire's transport network later this month. The pioneering pilot has the ability to transform travel both locally and nationally. Connecting the people and places in Sheffield and Rotherham marks the start of this journey. We hope passengers from the local area and beyond enjoy the benefits this new transport option will provide."

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The tram-train pilot will run for two years with a view to permanent operation. Customer satisfaction, passenger numbers, reliability and costs will be tested.

Three tram-train services are expected to operate per hour but timetables, or the name of the route, have yet to be announced. Tickets will be fully integrated with Stagecoach Supertram.

Vehicles will run on the national rail network from Rotherham Parkgate Retail Park via Rotherham Central Station. A new 160 metre section of track – called the "Tinsley Chord" - links the tramway to the train line and vehicles will join the existing Stagecoach Supertram network at Meadowhall South and continue to Sheffield Cathedral.

The pilot project has come in for scrutiny over cost increases and delays, the under-estimation of the scale and complexity of the works, and the risks involved in delivering new technology. Critising the Government and Network Rail, the Public Accounts Committee said that it had all the makings of a "how not to" seminar for future projects.

An earlier report from the National Audit Office (NAO) revealed that by December 2016, the cost of the works for the project, which had been given an initial estimate of £15m, had quadrupled to £75.1m, pushing the overall cost of the scheme over £100m.

SYPTE website

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News: £230m needed to fix Supertram

Transport bosses in the Sheffield city region (SCR) have revealed that the cost of renewing the existing Supertram network will be around £230m, and some local councils don't want that cost passed on to them.

Rothbiz reported earlier this month that the SCR was developing proposals for a Mass Transit system, identifying a potential network of "key movement corridors" to support growth. At the same time however, it is having to deal with the issue of the existing Supertram network which will require re-railing, new signalling, communications and power supply as well as replacement trams.

Consultation has now begun in connection to developing the business case that will be submitted to the Department for Transport to support the funding of any renewal works. As part of this business case all possible options need to be explored, and consulted on and then a preferred option for the system needs to be submitted.

Options include spending £230m carrying out essential work on the Supertram system when needed, spending a similar amount modernising the system from 2024 with new assests, or decommissioning the tram system replacing it with a dedicated, high quality, bus network from 2024.

Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, said: "For more than 20 years the Supertram has been a fixture within Sheffield and the region and has been making more than 12 million passenger journeys a year.

"We are now working with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) to establish what the future of the Supertram system might look like. We want to hear from those people who currently use the Supertram, and those who don't, about what its future should be. I would encourage as many people as possible to have their say."

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A funding bid is due for completion and submission to Government in the first half of 2019 but 20% of the costs of the scheme will need to come from the city region.

At a recent meeting of the combined authority, Ros Jones, mayor of Doncaster welcomed the mass transit concept "but asserted the cost of Supertram renewal must be met through grants and fares, and not passed on to the local authorities."

Cllr. Sir Steve Houghton CBE, leader of Barnsley Council, has previously raised concerns over the renewal costs for the Supertram network.

Sheffield Council, whose transport strategy states that Supertram renewal is its "most pressing challenge," has started work on a potential workplace levy, which has been introduced in Nottingham to fund their new tramways, and other transport initiatives.

Opened in 1994, Sheffield's Supertram system cost a reported £240m and now serves major residential and employment sites in Sheffield. A delayed tram-train pilot project is set to bring new vehicles to Rotherham in 2018.

Stagecoach's operating contract runs until 2024. Stagecoach assumed responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the network. Ownership of the asset remains with SYPTE.

In 2014 an unusual accountancy procedure was carried out by the city region to deal with a deficit of £30.5m on its general reserve budget with a significant part of this relating to capital expenditure incurred by the SYPTE as part of the construction of the Sheffield tram network.

A major programme of rail replacement works on the network is currently taking place at an estimated capital cost of £32m.

SYPTE website
Supertram website

Images: Stagecoach Supertram

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