MAYOR SECURES GOVERNMENT SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR SUPERTRAM SYSTEM DURING COVID-19

Published 24 April 2020 at 2:04pm

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region has secured a package of support from Government, that will ensure that the Supertram system in South Yorkshire can continue to run for key workers during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Mayor has been pressing Government Ministers since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure tram and light rail have the support they need to continue running, as well as buses, working with SYPTE and operators to ensure key services continue to run, particularly for workers travelling to Sheffield’s hospitals.

The Mayor was the first to raise the issue with other Metro Mayors and called for collective action to ensure other city region’s systems were supported following a significant fall in passenger numbers.

Mayor Dan Jarvis said: “I’ve been working around the clock to ensure that South Yorkshire has the resources it needs to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month I took action and extended concessionary payments and agreed a substantial package of support for bus operators.

“This meant that essential services could continue running for key workers, but also provided certainty to our transport system so normal services can resume when travel restrictions are lifted. However, there remained a gap in support for Supertram and I have been in close contact with Government Ministers to address this. I am pleased they have listened and have acted. The funding will be welcome news for passengers.

“Securing this funding for Supertram will help ease the financial strain during the crisis, allow essential journeys to continue and keep NHS staff and key workers moving during this critical time, particularly to Sheffield’s hospitals.”

Read the Department for Transport’s announcement.