Sheffield Supertram & Tram Train news

[TC60054]

Tram 105 (or at least, two thirds of it!) has returned to Nunnery from Kilmarnock this afternoon, following repairs to damage sustained in a collision with a skip lorry in July 2021.

The final third arrived this afternoon.

 

[ALEMASTER]

Hopefully the new stop at Magna will start soon, though all has gone quiet.

It is still happening but has been subject to delay and cost increase due to changes in specification

 

[GardenRail]

Thanks. Be nice to see it completed on what must be the country's least ambitious tram network in a city.

 

[Fadacious]

Just a quick question, can I use a concessionary bus pass on the trams if I don't live in Sheffield?

 

[Harpers Tate]

Just a quick question, can I use a concessionary bus pass on the trams if I don't live in Sheffield?

Yes

 

[Mal]

Yes

Yes, I use mine on the Sheffield trams and mine is a Merseyside one.

 

[JD2168]

Tram 120 has gained a new overall wrap in a multi coloured livery with a slogan of ‘bringing people together’ on the Tram.

 

[Nean]

Tram 120 has gained a new overall wrap in a multi coloured livery with a slogan of ‘bringing people together’ on the Tram.

Given how crowded some of them are getting in rush hour now it's less "bringing people together" and more "squeezing people together"!

 

[LLivery]

Rishi's document yesterday mentions Supertram extentions.

Are any routes being actively proposed?

 

[YorksLad12]

Rishi's document yesterday mentions Supertram extentions.

Are any routes being actively proposed?

"Could" included tram extensions. None planned. Lots always proposed (including here)

 

[deltic]

How well used is the Rotherham section now?

 

[D365]

Rishi's document yesterday mentions Supertram extentions.

Are any routes being actively proposed?

"Could" included tram extensions. None planned. Lots always proposed (including here)

I was under the impression that Supertram enhancements and/or extensions were proposed as part of HS2 (2016) into Sheffield Midland.

 

[Nean]

I was under the impression that Supertram enhancements and/or extensions were proposed as part of HS2 (2016) into Sheffield Midland.

There was a proposal as at one point to swap the ring road and tram routes so that the station wasn't separated from the rest of the city by a busy road (old article from 2020 https://www.transportxtra.com/publi...ffield-inner-relief-road-behind-rail-station/) but don't think it was part of HS2.

 

[edwin_m]

There was a proposal as at one point to swap the ring road and tram routes so that the station wasn't separated from the rest of the city by a busy road (old article from 2020 https://www.transportxtra.com/publi...ffield-inner-relief-road-behind-rail-station/) but don't think it was part of HS2.

It was separate, but it would have made space for a multi-platform tram station at the front of the railway station, that could have acted as a terminus for tram-train routes.

 

[eastwestdivide]

How well used is the Rotherham section now?

Moderately well from my experience, but not to the extent of needing the third TT per hour. I usually manage to get the seat looking through the front.
There’s currently construction work going on beyond Parkgate for a huge park and ride car park located between the two rail lines, with road access from Aldwarke Lane (and therefore from the Rawmarsh area - avoiding the traffic around Parkgate - and from the Eastwood/Thrybergh areas). So hopefully that will provide some more custom.
Edit: see https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/active-travel-public-transport/travel-network-improvements/5
for a map of the P&R

 

[YorksLad12]

There was a proposal as at one point to swap the ring road and tram routes so that the station wasn't separated from the rest of the city by a busy road (old article from 2020 https://www.transportxtra.com/publi...ffield-inner-relief-road-behind-rail-station/) but don't think it was part of HS2.

It was separate, but it would have made space for a multi-platform tram station at the front of the railway station, that could have acted as a terminus for tram-train routes.

I think the last plan I saw had it running via Flat Street - the tram stop would nearer the bus station/interchange/SHU area. It would meet the existing line between Fitzalan Square and Castle Square (I've no idea how - a new 'delta'?)

 

[ALEMASTER]

Engineering work coming up 18/19 November on the Blue route (also impacts Purple route on the Sunday).
- Holme Lane closed both days so Malin Bridge passengers to use Hillsborough tram stop instead, Blue route trams to divert to Middlewood.
- on Saturday Blue route trams to terminate at Birley Lane, replacement bus onwards to Halfway (to be confirmed)
- on Sunday Blue route trams to terminate at Sheffield Station and Purple route suspended, replacement buses City to Halfway (to be confirmed).

More details at https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/en-GB/LandingPage/rail-replacement

This Sunday (12 November) there is Network Rail engineering work in the Holmes Junction area between Meadowhall and Rotherham/Swinton meaning a reduced train service at Meadowhall and Rotherham Central and no direct trains between the two, Supertram will be accepting train tickets from Rotherham Central and Meadowhall Interchange into Sheffield City Centre with a normal tram and tram-train service running.

 

[ricoblade]

Got excited but the usual click0bait b****x from The Stir:

Sheffield trams: 9 places city's tram network could be extended to if city gets share of promised £4bn​

Sheffield was promised a big funding boost, including money for trams, when the northern leg of HS2 was cancelled

By Robert Cumber
Published 15th Nov 2023, 05:45 GMT
Sheffield's tram network is today a shadow of what it used to be back in its heyday.
But hopes of a return to the glory days, when it extended across the city to destinations including Firth Park, Handsworth, Intake, Meadowhead, Fulwood, Walkley and Crookes, were raised when the Government promised a huge funding boost for local transport projects in the north.
When Rishi Sunak confirmed in October that HS2 would only run as far as Birmingham, he vowed to spend the £36 billion savings improving local connections across the north.
That promised Network North investment included nearly £4bn for the six northern city regions, including Sheffield, to improve connectivity, which the Prime Minister said could pay for Sheffield tram extensions among other things. Whether that money will ever come Sheffield's way, and whether it will be enough for a major upgrade to the city's existing tram network, remains to be seen.
But it's hard not to dream of what could be, and that's just what people in Sheffield have been doing.
A popular thread on Reddit began with someone proposing a new tram line from Sheffield city centre to Totley and more suggestions soon flowed, along with the odd reality check.
Two of the most popular and realistic calls were for extensions to Stocksbridge in the north-west and to Totley in the south-west.
Given the Prime Minister has already committed to funding the restoration of passenger services on the existing Don Valley railway line, a tram to those parts may not be necessary, though a tram train service may prove a cheaper option.
There have also long been calls to reopen the closed stations between Sheffield Midland station and Dore and Totley. Again, a tram train running on the existing tracks could be a cheaper option, capacity allowing, with the potential for stops at the old Heeley station and Millhouses Park, among other locations.
Several people said that if the tram network is extended, connecting it to the Northern General Royal Hallamshire and Sheffield Children's hospitals should be the priority.
Others pointed out that back in 2019, Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts had called for tram-trains to run to Beighton and Doncaster Sheffield Airport, as well as Stocksbridge, along existing tracks, something he said could be done relatively quickly.
The closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport means that is off the cards for now, though it could help if efforts to reopen the airport succeed, but there was support for a new route to Beighton, which could use the existing stations at Darnall and Woodhouse, and include a new stop in Handsworth.
A new service to Wales Bar, in Rotherham, serving Gulliver's Valley, was also suggested, as was extending the Herdings tram route to serve Norton, St James Retail Park, Lowedges, Greenhill, Bradway and Totley, though it was acknowledged the existing roads lack the space to accommodate such a scheme.
And restoring trams along Ecclesall Road, where they used to run many moons ago, was another option put forward, with one person saying it was 'strange' such a 'buzzing' area was not already on the network.
Whatever money the Government does send the north's way, people agreed Sheffield should be ahead of Manchester in the pecking order given its trans-Pennine neighbour already has the UK's longest tram network, stretching across almost 103km of track, compared to 29km in Sheffield.
It wasn't just tram extensions which were suggested, with an underground system, a monorail or even travelators like they have in other European cities to help folk negotiate Sheffield's many hills were among the more leftfield proposals. Sheffield's tram network was last extended in 2018, with the launch of the tram-train to Rotherham.
When it comes to further additions, for now we must make do with the new stop at Magna Science Adventure Centre which is scheduled to open in 2024.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority said it was still working on its plans for the tram network and any proposals would have to go to the authority's board once written.

 

[johnnychips]

^ Yes, perhaps we need a speculative tram section!

Anyway, Stagecoach have announced that they have discontinued the £2 cap on fares, which was in line with the bus policy, increasing it to £2.80. This will continue to the end of Nov 2024. Is this because trams don’t get reimbursed like bus companies presumably do?

 

[GardenRail]

Got excited but the usual click0bait b****x from The Stir:

Sheffield trams: 9 places city's tram network could be extended to if city gets share of promised £4bn​

Sheffield was promised a big funding boost, including money for trams, when the northern leg of HS2 was cancelled

By Robert Cumber
Published 15th Nov 2023, 05:45 GMT
Sheffield's tram network is today a shadow of what it used to be back in its heyday.
But hopes of a return to the glory days, when it extended across the city to destinations including Firth Park, Handsworth, Intake, Meadowhead, Fulwood, Walkley and Crookes, were raised when the Government promised a huge funding boost for local transport projects in the north.
When Rishi Sunak confirmed in October that HS2 would only run as far as Birmingham, he vowed to spend the £36 billion savings improving local connections across the north.
That promised Network North investment included nearly £4bn for the six northern city regions, including Sheffield, to improve connectivity, which the Prime Minister said could pay for Sheffield tram extensions among other things. Whether that money will ever come Sheffield's way, and whether it will be enough for a major upgrade to the city's existing tram network, remains to be seen.
But it's hard not to dream of what could be, and that's just what people in Sheffield have been doing.
A popular thread on Reddit began with someone proposing a new tram line from Sheffield city centre to Totley and more suggestions soon flowed, along with the odd reality check.
Two of the most popular and realistic calls were for extensions to Stocksbridge in the north-west and to Totley in the south-west.
Given the Prime Minister has already committed to funding the restoration of passenger services on the existing Don Valley railway line, a tram to those parts may not be necessary, though a tram train service may prove a cheaper option.
There have also long been calls to reopen the closed stations between Sheffield Midland station and Dore and Totley. Again, a tram train running on the existing tracks could be a cheaper option, capacity allowing, with the potential for stops at the old Heeley station and Millhouses Park, among other locations.
Several people said that if the tram network is extended, connecting it to the Northern General Royal Hallamshire and Sheffield Children's hospitals should be the priority.
Others pointed out that back in 2019, Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts had called for tram-trains to run to Beighton and Doncaster Sheffield Airport, as well as Stocksbridge, along existing tracks, something he said could be done relatively quickly.
The closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport means that is off the cards for now, though it could help if efforts to reopen the airport succeed, but there was support for a new route to Beighton, which could use the existing stations at Darnall and Woodhouse, and include a new stop in Handsworth.
A new service to Wales Bar, in Rotherham, serving Gulliver's Valley, was also suggested, as was extending the Herdings tram route to serve Norton, St James Retail Park, Lowedges, Greenhill, Bradway and Totley, though it was acknowledged the existing roads lack the space to accommodate such a scheme.
And restoring trams along Ecclesall Road, where they used to run many moons ago, was another option put forward, with one person saying it was 'strange' such a 'buzzing' area was not already on the network.
Whatever money the Government does send the north's way, people agreed Sheffield should be ahead of Manchester in the pecking order given its trans-Pennine neighbour already has the UK's longest tram network, stretching across almost 103km of track, compared to 29km in Sheffield.
It wasn't just tram extensions which were suggested, with an underground system, a monorail or even travelators like they have in other European cities to help folk negotiate Sheffield's many hills were among the more leftfield proposals. Sheffield's tram network was last extended in 2018, with the launch of the tram-train to Rotherham.
When it comes to further additions, for now we must make do with the new stop at Magna Science Adventure Centre which is scheduled to open in 2024.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority said it was still working on its plans for the tram network and any proposals would have to go to the authority's board once written.

I like the list. Never happen mind.

 

[ALEMASTER]

^ Yes, perhaps we need a speculative tram section!

Anyway, Stagecoach have announced that they have discontinued the £2 cap on fares, which was in line with the bus policy, increasing it to £2.80. This will continue to the end of Nov 2024. Is this because trams don’t get reimbursed like bus companies presumably do?

The £2 bus fare cap funded by the government is only for buses.

The Supertram fare cap is funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, this has been increased by them from £2 to £2.80 (the price for the longer distance single should be £3.20). Originally the bus scheme was also to increase in price from 1 November but that was changed. Unfortunately some tough financial decisions had to be made by SYMCA with reduced levels of subsidy for many of the discount fare schemes being necessary as a result of the increased costs of providing tendered bus services - the cuts to evening and Sunday bus services would have been much more savage otherwise.

Got excited but the usual click0bait b****x from The Stir:

Sheffield trams: 9 places city's tram network could be extended to if city gets share of promised £4bn​

Sheffield was promised a big funding boost, including money for trams, when the northern leg of HS2 was cancelled

By Robert Cumber
Published 15th Nov 2023, 05:45 GMT
Sheffield's tram network is today a shadow of what it used to be back in its heyday.
But hopes of a return to the glory days, when it extended across the city to destinations including Firth Park, Handsworth, Intake, Meadowhead, Fulwood, Walkley and Crookes, were raised when the Government promised a huge funding boost for local transport projects in the north.
When Rishi Sunak confirmed in October that HS2 would only run as far as Birmingham, he vowed to spend the £36 billion savings improving local connections across the north.
That promised Network North investment included nearly £4bn for the six northern city regions, including Sheffield, to improve connectivity, which the Prime Minister said could pay for Sheffield tram extensions among other things. Whether that money will ever come Sheffield's way, and whether it will be enough for a major upgrade to the city's existing tram network, remains to be seen.
But it's hard not to dream of what could be, and that's just what people in Sheffield have been doing.
A popular thread on Reddit began with someone proposing a new tram line from Sheffield city centre to Totley and more suggestions soon flowed, along with the odd reality check.
Two of the most popular and realistic calls were for extensions to Stocksbridge in the north-west and to Totley in the south-west.
Given the Prime Minister has already committed to funding the restoration of passenger services on the existing Don Valley railway line, a tram to those parts may not be necessary, though a tram train service may prove a cheaper option.
There have also long been calls to reopen the closed stations between Sheffield Midland station and Dore and Totley. Again, a tram train running on the existing tracks could be a cheaper option, capacity allowing, with the potential for stops at the old Heeley station and Millhouses Park, among other locations.
Several people said that if the tram network is extended, connecting it to the Northern General Royal Hallamshire and Sheffield Children's hospitals should be the priority.
Others pointed out that back in 2019, Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts had called for tram-trains to run to Beighton and Doncaster Sheffield Airport, as well as Stocksbridge, along existing tracks, something he said could be done relatively quickly.
The closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport means that is off the cards for now, though it could help if efforts to reopen the airport succeed, but there was support for a new route to Beighton, which could use the existing stations at Darnall and Woodhouse, and include a new stop in Handsworth.
A new service to Wales Bar, in Rotherham, serving Gulliver's Valley, was also suggested, as was extending the Herdings tram route to serve Norton, St James Retail Park, Lowedges, Greenhill, Bradway and Totley, though it was acknowledged the existing roads lack the space to accommodate such a scheme.
And restoring trams along Ecclesall Road, where they used to run many moons ago, was another option put forward, with one person saying it was 'strange' such a 'buzzing' area was not already on the network.
Whatever money the Government does send the north's way, people agreed Sheffield should be ahead of Manchester in the pecking order given its trans-Pennine neighbour already has the UK's longest tram network, stretching across almost 103km of track, compared to 29km in Sheffield.
It wasn't just tram extensions which were suggested, with an underground system, a monorail or even travelators like they have in other European cities to help folk negotiate Sheffield's many hills were among the more leftfield proposals. Sheffield's tram network was last extended in 2018, with the launch of the tram-train to Rotherham.
When it comes to further additions, for now we must make do with the new stop at Magna Science Adventure Centre which is scheduled to open in 2024.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority said it was still working on its plans for the tram network and any proposals would have to go to the authority's board once written.

The first priority is to renew the existing network, which is around 30 years old now with some of the fleet and infrastructure becoming life expired. Much of the embedded rail has already been done but the ballasted railway sections, power supply and more still needs to be replaced.

Intentions to expand the Tram Train service have already been published such as to Doncaster airport, Wakefield via the Dearne Valley and Stocksbridge, however of course these plans are likely to evolve to reflect local developments. Some of the drivers of plans were to replace local Northern train services out of Sheffield towards Doncaster/Wakefield to free up capacity at Sheffield Station for HS2 trains and to provide better links to Doncaster Airport - however HS2 has been cancelled and the airport has closed. The government's so called "reversing Beeching" programme continues to examing reopening Stocksbridge-Sheffield and Sheffield-Chesterfield via Barrow Hill freight lines to passenger services and this may or may not be provided via Tram Trains.

In terms of extending the classic tram network, my personal view is on street extensions are pointless - the trams will get stuck in the same traffic congestion as cars and buses and not be attractive, it needs to be routes where the majority can be on reserved track that offers a fast and reliable journey.

Talk of running on the main line railway out to Dore & Totley before going on street sounds good but the railway there is struggling for capacity, it would probably need increasing from two tracks to four tracks to achieve. A more affordable option might be to simply have a feeder bus from Bradway, Totley and Dore to the station for trains into Sheffield and platforms at Dore & Totley built on the Chesterfield line so more trains can stop there (such as the Northern all stations to Nottingham service which calls at Dronfield, that would provide a useful local link!)

There is potential for extending beyond Halfway to the Killamarsh, Renishaw or Eckington area, although the journey time into Sheffield would not be all that attractive, especially if the main line railway scheme for trains to Chesterfield come to fruition. I like the idea of extending beyond Herdings Park via Bochum Parkway to Norton, tunnelling underneath Meadowhead roundabout then running alongside Greenhill Parkway to serve the Greenhill/Lowedges area, terminating at Bradway. When talking about a branch to Dronfield we have to remember Dronfield already has fast trains into Sheffield and in comparison a tram via Manor Top wouldn't be all that attractive!

 

[ricoblade]

Agreed @ALEMASTER and @GardenRail, thought it looks like small steps are being taken on Stocksbridge and the Old Road.

Anything Sheaf Valley would have to be one or moew new tracks alongside the MML, not on-road, I struggle to see how a Porter Valley line could work.

As if by magic another article appeared today.

https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/shef...etwork-with-two-new-tram-train-routes-4415348

Sheffield trams: Council leader sets out ambition to expand tram network with two new tram train routes​

He's also explained his vision for improving bus services in the city by doing what Manchester has already done with its buses

Sheffield Council leader Tom Hunt has set out his vision for a bigger tram network, including two new tram-train routes, and for better buses.

Writing in The Star, he said: "Every time I knock on people’s doors across Sheffield, public transport comes up.

"It’s a huge topic for lots of people. A lot of people across our city rely on buses and trams, and we need to make them better.

"Working with Oliver Coppard, the Mayor of South Yorkshire, we are going through an assessment process for a proposed bus franchising scheme in South Yorkshire.

Sheffield keen to do what Manchester has with its buses​

"This would bring regulation of our bus routes, frequencies, fares, and tickets under local public control. We’re not allowed to prejudge the decision, but people across Sheffield tell me all the time that they are keen for us to do what Manchester have already done with their buses. We’re getting this work done as quick as we can.

"In the spring, trams will come under public control. Sheffield is a growing city and to reach our ambitions we want to expand our tram network.
"Last month, The Star reported on the old tramlines that were uncovered on Fargate. They are a fantastic piece of history and a reminder that our tram network used to be so much bigger.

"Today, we want to open up rail lines to Stocksbridge and also through South East Sheffield to Chesterfield, creating new routes for our tram-train services.

New tram-train stations could be created​

"We would open new stations, giving a lot more people access to the tram. It would help to create new jobs, make the daily commute easier, and ensure that our low-carbon, mass transit system reaches more parts of the city.
"On Thursday 9 November, the Government’s rail minister came to Sheffield to see our trams. I met him and made a clear case for why we need to expand our network.
"The council is working closely with the Mayoral Combined Authority to develop a new, exciting vision that will set out our tram expansion plans.
"We’re working hard to improve our buses and trams. I will continue to press the Government for greater funding for public transport in Sheffield. I look forward to talking with you about what you’d like to see happen across our city.
"Please tell me what you think, you can write to me at [email protected] or send a letter to The Star."

 

[GardenRail]

It is still happening but has been subject to delay and cost increase due to changes in specification

No wonder HS2 is a joke, when we can't even deliver a ruddy tram stop.

 

[sytransport]

There was a proposal as at one point to swap the ring road and tram routes so that the station wasn't separated from the rest of the city by a busy road (old article from 2020 https://www.transportxtra.com/publi...ffield-inner-relief-road-behind-rail-station/) but don't think it was part of HS2.

Ahh yes, the proposal that they subsequently completely denied coming up with

 

[GardenRail]

Any news on Magna?

 

[sytransport]

Any news on Magna?

Plans in for Magna tram-train station - Insider Media

Plans have been lodged for a new tram-train station at Magna Science & Adventure Park in Rotherham.

www.insidermedia.com

This is all I can find in reference to the Magna station, other than that it's all gone quiet.

Plans in for Magna tram-train station - Insider Media

Plans have been lodged for a new tram-train station at Magna Science & Adventure Park in Rotherham.

www.insidermedia.com

This is all I can find in reference to the Magna station, other than that it's all gone quiet.

I've done a bit more digging and I've found the following from the planning application submitted at the end of November.

 

[GardenRail]

Thanks for that.

 

[JD2168]

Trams will run on Boxing Day on the following routes:
Blue route Halfway to Meadowhall via Cathedral every 20 minutes.
Yellow route Middlewood to Meadowhall every 20 minutes.

On New Year’s Day they will run:
Blue route Halfway to Cathedral every 30 minutes.
Yellow route Middlewood to Meadowhall every 30 minutes.
Tram Train Cathedral to Parkgate every 30 minutes.

 

[JD2168]

Due to overhead line issues this morning there was no service between Cathedral & Middlewood/Malin Bridge until around 10am.

 

[scammell]

Has tram 105 returned to service, and if not does anyone know when its return may be expected? Thanks in anticipation.