Sheffield Supertram emergency funding announcement due 'shortly'
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Sheffield Supertram system faced an uncertain future after metro mayor Dan Jarvis said he could not guarantee it could carry on running when funding from the Government runs out tomorrow.
The tram network covering Sheffield and Rotherham was one of five light rail services to share emergency funding in May as a response to the downturn in passenger numbers during lockdown.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMr Jarvis said last week that there was currently no indication from the Government that further support is coming but that and other metro mayors were lobbying Ministers.
Along with buses and trains, the Supertram has seen a huge drop in revenue from passengers because of social distancing measures and government guidance to avoid public
The Yorkshire Post understands the most recent payment for the Sheffield tram system will keep it going until August 28, with light rail funding paid in arrears on a four-weekly basis.
A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: “To date, we've provided £2.3 million to Sheffield's tram system during the pandemic, enabling it to continue running services so that NHS staff, teachers and others can get to their place of work.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“We're currently reviewing funding going forward and an announcement will be made shortly.”
In May, the government announced £30m to keep trams and metro trains running for key workers for 12 more weeks, after a downturn in passenger numbers due to lockdown.
The funding was split between the Tyne and Wear Metro, Manchester Metrolink, Sheffield Supertram, Midlands Metro and Nottingham Express Transit systems.
Earlier, city MPs Clive Betts, Olivia Blake, Paul Blomfield, Gill Furniss and Louise Haigh wrote to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to lobby him over the future of the scheme.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.