Sheffield Supertram
The Sheffield Supertram network that operates predominantly around Sheffield, but also further out into South Yorkshire.
The network operates four lines with one line sharing the national rail network at Rotherham. It has a mixture of road running, old rail alignment running and purpose-built alignments. There is 50 stations on the network with a variety of frequencies. Some lines and stations get a 12 minutes frequency while some lines get only 1 tram per hour.
When the Supertram network first opened it was operated by South Yorkshire Supertram Limited. After an uneasy start which saw lower passenger numbers than expected, the Supertrams was sold over to Stagecoach. After many improvements, including improved ticketing and bus and tram combo tickets passenger numbers started to increase.
On 25th October 2018 the Supertram network was extended to Rotherham using tram-trains that shared the national rail network at Rotherham central before continuing on to Rotherham Parkgate. There are only 7 Class 399 tram-trains that can operate to Rotherham, the other trams on the network was not upgraded to meet mainline safety standards. The restricted number of units that can operate this section of the network has led to reduced frequencies on more than a few occasions.
When the contract with Stagecoach comes to an end in March 2024 it has been announced that the Supertram network will come back into public operation. Will this mean future improvements or network extensions...
Over the years there have been proposals to extend the line to places like Dore, Hellaby & Ranmoor. There was also proposals about introducing trams-trains to Huddersfield via the Penistone line! All these proposals have since been scrapped. In 2020 there was proposals drawn up that would reroute the line at the station via Sheaf Street. This would mean the relocating of Sheffield Station Tram Stop.
In addition to the new lines there has been proposals for new stops at Magna Science Adventure Centre and another in the Parkgate area of Rotherham.
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