Sheffield Supertram & Tram Train news

[snalty]

Whatever happened with the tender to refurbish the original trams?

 

[ricoblade]

Saw this article in The Stir.

Statement on major Sheffield tram extension plans

Bosses have issued an update on big plans to extend Sheffield’s tram network - with progress revealed on three new routes.

thestar.co.uk

I think I've managed to copy it OK below from in-between the interminable adverts.

Doesn't really say much apart from they are looking at the routes previously advised and seeking funding for the next stage.

Sheffield Supertram: Statement issued on major tram plans, including Stocksbridge, Chesterfield and hospital

Published 13th Oct 2025, 07:18 BST

Bosses have issued an update on big plans to extend Sheffield’s tram network - with progress revealed on three new routes.
Tom Finnegan-Smith, director of transport strategy and policy for South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, has explained to The Star progress that has been made towards bringing in new services to three new destinations.

They are moving towards services that would take trams or tram trains to Stocksbridge, Chesterfield via Barrow Hill, and the Hallamshire Hospital.

It has been suggested previously that the Stocksbridge route could include stops at Oughtibridge, Wharncliffe Side and Deepcar; while the Chesterfield route could include Darnall, Waverley, Woodhouse, Beighton, Killamarsh, Eckington, Barrow Hill/Staveley, and Whittington.

There have also been suggestions that the old Victoria railway station in near The Wicker could also be reopened to serve both routes, according to plans previously drawn up.

Mr Finnegan-Smith has now issued a new update in a statement to The Star, more than a year after Labour announced last July that it was reviewing £2.9 billion of ‘unfunded’ Conservative transport commitments, which is understood to include the Restoring Your Railways Fund.
He said over the past year his team had been working hard on the range of options for the expansion of the tram network, building on initial study work which identified several potential extensions using existing railway lines for tram-train services.

These included both Barrow Hill and the Don Valley Line to Stocksbridge.

He added: “In addition, we have undertaken some early-stage feasibility work on the possibility of another route through Sheffield city centre, with the option to connect to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.
“We are also looking to use available funding to take a wider strategic look at where further public transport improvements could be developed across South Yorkshire.”

He said although the timescales were long-term for major infrastructure work, they were working at pace to ensure future investment was guided by a clear, region-wide vision and robust plans so the region’s public transport system put people first, connected its communities and helped build a bigger and better economy in South Yorkshire.
He told The Star: “All this forms the basis of our ongoing discussions with the Department for Transport to identify funding which could move these projects forward.
“At the same time, we are continuing the work already underway on upgrades to the trams, track, control systems and power supplies, alongside the construction of a new Tram Train station at Magna, through the investment of over £110m by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to ensure the existing network remains reliable and fit for the future.”

 

[Iskra]

It’s nice to know there’s a vague hope of something happening, but that’s about all it is really at this point.

 

[ModernRailways]

Dogs are now allowed on trams permanently.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard has confirmed that dogs will now be permanently allowed on Supertram services, following a successful trial and strong public support.

More than 10,600 people responded to a public consultation, with 75% in favour of changing the rules to allow dogs onboard. Since the trial began in March, over 6,000 dogs have travelled on Supertram – a clear sign of demand and public approval.

Previously, only assistance dogs or dogs in carry cages were permitted. Under the new permanent policy, one well-behaved dog per passenger will be allowed to travel on Supertram.

The move follows similar successful trials on light rail networks in Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, and Blackpool.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Fixing public transport in South Yorkshire means making it work for all of us, and that includes our four-legged friends.

“More than 10,000 people have told us: allowing dogs on trams makes our network more inclusive and accessible.

“We’re building a public transport system that reflects the needs of the people who use it every day. Whether you’re commuting, exploring, or simply heading out with your dog, Supertram will get you there.”

Since Supertram came back under public control in 2024, investment has more than doubled to £15.3 million to improve the network. It’s part of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s commitment to invest over £110m by 2027. This includes upgrades to the trams, track, control systems and power supplies alongside the construction of a new Tram Train station at Magna.

Sean English, Managing Director at Supertram, said: “We’re delighted to welcome dogs onboard our trams permanently, following the strong public support we saw during the trial. This change reflects our commitment to making Supertram more accessible and responsive to the needs of our passengers.

“Throughout the trial, we worked hard to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both our customers and colleagues, and we’ll continue to monitor and manage the service to maintain a positive experience for everyone. It’s a great example of how listening to our passengers helps us shape a better, more inclusive transport network.

“I’d also like to thank our Supertram colleagues for their hard work and dedication throughout the trial period, their efforts were instrumental in making it a success.”

A new Business Plan for 2025/2026, approved in March by the SYMCA Board, outlines priorities for the tram network which includes a £15 million investment in the next two years tackling the issues caused by trams that are 30 years old. SYMCA is also looking at buying a new fleet by 2032, subject to government funding.

A new Tram-Train stop at Magna Science Adventure Centre is also being built, set to open in Winter 2025/6. It’s the first addition to the Tram Train service since 2018 and will serve visitors to the Magna Science Adventure Centre and people living and working in Templeborough, Rotherham.

With buses coming back under public control from 2027 and Supertram already under public control, it will allow the Mayor to realise his ambitions to create a fully integrated public transport system across South Yorkshire.

For more information and guidance about travelling with dogs on trams, visit the Dogs on Trams page on Travel South Yorkshire.

Source: https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/en-gb/news/6e8a42d4-7290-4ced-9589-6919e29e4d35

 

[AY1975]

Dogs are now allowed on trams permanently.


Source: https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/en-gb/news/6e8a42d4-7290-4ced-9589-6919e29e4d35

Interesting that Sheffield and Birmingham have opted for a one dog per person policy whereas on Manchester Metrolink a maximum of two dogs per person are allowed.

Maybe this belongs in the Blackpool Trams thread, but the reports on dogs being permanently allowed on Sheffield and Birmingham trams refer to similar trials in Manchester and Blackpool, but AFAIK at least for the last few decades dogs have always been allowed on Blackpool trams. Some of the Blackpool heritage trams have signage referring to dogs not being allowed, though, so maybe they weren't allowed way back when. Not sure when Blackpool trams first started allowing dogs if that was the case, though.

 

[Lemmy282]

First generation tramways never did allow dogs on trams, and this seems to have been carried over onto second gen. tramways as well. As a dog owner I am happy this has now been sorted

 

[507 001]

First generation tramways never did allow dogs on trams, and this seems to have been carried over onto second gen. tramways as well. As a dog owner I am happy this has now been sorted

I had my doubts, but it was genuinely the best thing we (Metrolink) ever did.

 

[D365]

Sheffield Supertram: Statement issued on major tram plans, including Stocksbridge, Chesterfield and hospital

Published 13th Oct 2025, 07:18 BST

Bosses have issued an update on big plans to extend Sheffield’s tram network - with progress revealed on three new routes.
Tom Finnegan-Smith, director of transport strategy and policy for South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, has explained to The Star progress that has been made towards bringing in new services to three new destinations.

They are moving towards services that would take trams or tram trains to Stocksbridge, Chesterfield via Barrow Hill, and the Hallamshire Hospital.

It has been suggested previously that the Stocksbridge route could include stops at Oughtibridge, Wharncliffe Side and Deepcar; while the Chesterfield route could include Darnall, Waverley, Woodhouse, Beighton, Killamarsh, Eckington, Barrow Hill/Staveley, and Whittington.

There have also been suggestions that the old Victoria railway station in near The Wicker could also be reopened to serve both routes, according to plans previously drawn up.

No stop at Rutland Road / Neepsend or at Wadsley Bridge? Really?

 

[61653 HTAFC]

No stop at Rutland Road / Neepsend or at Wadsley Bridge? Really?

I wouldn't read too much into omissions there, just the usual lazy drafting of press releases.
It would seem daft to omit a stop at Wadsley Bridge unless they want to avoid overcrowding and a "Coventry Arena" situation... although Hillsborough is already served by the existing tram routes in the area so I can't see that being an issue. If anything a route on the converted Stocksbridge line would be more "limited stop" so more suitable for handling the crowds than the existing line.

 

[AY1975]

First generation tramways never did allow dogs on trams

Was that the case everywhere or did it vary from place to place?

I've a feeling (though I'm not sure) that Manchester's first generation tramway allowed dogs on one deck only on double deck trams.

 

[Lemmy282]

Was that the case everywhere or did it vary from place to place?

I've a feeling (though I'm not sure) that Manchester's first generation tramway allowed dogs on one deck only on double deck trams.

To be honest I'm not sure if every system banned dogs, but all the restored trams at Crich they all seem to have a No Dogs sign somewhere, and their details are well researched. There may have been exceptions, but certainly Sheffield Tramways did not allow them to be carried.

 

[tram21]

all the restored trams at Crich they all seem to have a No Dogs sign somewhere

And no spitting signs!

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Lifts and bridge added as Magna Tram Train stop takes shape

The £10m Tram Train station at Magna is expected to open in early 2026.

www.bbc.co.uk

Lifts and bridge added as tram stop takes shape
An aerial view of the construction site of the new Tram Train Magna stop. Central to the image are two very new lift shafts with an adjoining bridge surrounded by construction equipment. Below are tram tracks.Image source, LDRS
Image caption,

New Magna Tram Train station under construction in Rotherham
By Danielle Andrews
Local Democracy Reporting Service

Published
9 hours ago

South Yorkshire's newest Tram Train stop is nearing completion, as engineers put the finishing touches to the lift shafts and a passenger bridge at the Magna station.

The £10m fully accessible station is on the Tram Train route between Sheffield and Rotherham. It will open in early 2026 and is the first new stop to be added to the Tram Train network since its launch in 2018.

The project is government funded and being delivered by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), Network Rail and Supertram.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said the progress marked another step towards a "fairer, greener, more ambitious" region.

Officials said the stop would improve access for residents, businesses and visitors to the nearby Magna Science Adventure Centre, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The construction is part of a wider £110m investment in Supertram by 2027, which will also see upgrades to trams and tracks.

The Connecting Sheffield Scheme will also upgrade walking and cycling routes.
The side of the Magna Science Adventure Centre. In the foreground on the left is light blue rigging and central to the image is the large red and white Magna logo and signage elevated on the side of the building, above the entrance which is out of view.
Image caption,

The Magna Science Adventure Centre, Lower Don Valley

About 20 local staff are working on the scheme, with Barnsley-based contractor AmcoGiffen using a regional supply chain to fabricate key components including the footbridge and lift shafts.

Rotherham Council leader Chris Read said the development would boost plans for housing and jobs along the Templeborough corridor.

"This project is about making sure Rotherham residents benefit from better, greener transport and that our town continues to grow," he said.

Coppard added: "This is about more than concrete and steel.

"It's about making sure our public transport network works for everyone - accessible, joined-up and designed around the needs of our communities."

Tram Train services will continue to run during construction with some weekend disruption.

Magna update, looks like Bridge and lifts are now in

 

[py_megapixel]

I've been down and seen the works at Infirmary Road and they only cover one side of the road and even then a tiny section, barely longer than the tram platform itself.
Is there a reason this wasn't combined with the previous closure a few months ago? It seems like not much work for the amount of disruption it's causing.
Or perhaps they are going to expand later in the week?

 

[davehsug]

Interesting that Sheffield and Birmingham have opted for a one dog per person policy whereas on Manchester Metrolink a maximum of two dogs per person are allowed.

Maybe this belongs in the Blackpool Trams thread, but the reports on dogs being permanently allowed on Sheffield and Birmingham trams refer to similar trials in Manchester and Blackpool, but AFAIK at least for the last few decades dogs have always been allowed on Blackpool trams. Some of the Blackpool heritage trams have signage referring to dogs not being allowed, though, so maybe they weren't allowed way back when. Not sure when Blackpool trams first started allowing dogs if that was the case, though.

Blackpool has allowed dogs for as long as I've known. I remember being quite shocked, probably back in the 70s, to discover that passengers had to pay a fare for them, and this is, of course, still the case.

 

[eastwestdivide]

What's happened to cause today's meltdown on the Supertram system? Their website says

Severe disruption across the Supertram network due to infrastructure issues. Limited tram service between Cathedral and Malin Bridge only. Tickets accepted on First bus services, and on Northern Rail services between Rotherham and Sheffield. For latest updates check @SY_Supertram.

and of course the X/twitter account defaults to random stories from the past for anyone without an account.

 

[py_megapixel]

What's happened to cause today's meltdown on the Supertram system? Their website says

and of course the X/twitter account defaults to random stories from the past for anyone without an account.

The message was on the departure boards at Primrose View (photo attached) was "All services experiencing disruption due to wire damage."

I saw a tram go through on the blue route and it was absolutely rammed with passengers.

 

[eastwestdivide]

That Primrose View board is more helpful than the boards at Rotherham, which showed the 0935 to Cathedral as "Delayed", despite the fact there was no chance of it running! No announcements either from 0930-0945ish when we gave up.

 

[Bob figgis]

On the bus (First) to work this morning about 6:40 there was a radio message to all drivers that the route to Herdings was suspended and to accept tram passengers. By the way my bus was nowhere near this disruption so it must have been broadcast to all their services.

I got into town and then caught the 7:02 Meadowhall tram, i was half an hour early for work so instead of standing outside waiting for the boss to open up, i decided to ride the tram to the terminus and double back on myself. 0n our approach to Tinsley South the power to the tram failed and we coasted into the tram stop. A brief exchange between the driver and controller where it was said a breaker had tripped and power would be restored. This happened as the message was being passed. We carried on our way into Meadowhall Interchange. I stopped in the warmth of the waiting area and the tram id came in on disappeared back towards town. I waited for the following tram with the intention of catching it and riding back towards work. This duly arrived and the Driver changed ends, all seemed normal, even the beep of the doors closing but the tram stayed where it was. Then the driver announced there was an issue and he was waiting for further instructions and advised us to make other transport arrangements as he didn’t know how long we’d be there. I bailed, walked through the shopping centre and then up through Carbrook to work.
Finishing this afternoon I walked to Carbrook tram stop where it just displayed a message about disruption. I did the reverse walk from this morning with the intention of catching a bus into Sheffield. Scanning the departure board in the bus station there was a scrolling message saying ticket acceptance on Northern trains between Sheffield and Rotherham Central. So a quick train ride into town and the bus home. Hopefully all will be fixed in the morning otherwise I’ll be doing the trudge across Meadowhall all over again.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Just looking at RTT, it seems the TT services ran to start with, up to the 0700 from Cathedral which got to Parkgate and never came back. That ties in with the timing of the disruption in the previous post. No other TT services showing on RTT for the rest of the day.
There’s a 2A** showing in Parkgate now (1935) on Traksy, as if it’s been abandoned there!

 

[YorksLad12]

The Parkgate loop is long enough to store a tram train unit beyond the platform, so it wouldn’t prevent anything coming in as normal. Not sure I’d leave anything there overnight though…

 

[Lemmy282]

Got this from British Trams Online site (http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/news/?p=60974)

")There has been major disruption to services on the South Yorkshire Supertram network following overhead line damage in two separate locations. The problems were first reported early on Friday 21st November 2025, leading to service changes for the rest of the day.

In a statement from the Supertram engineering team they confirmed that there was damage close to Carbrook for IKEA on the Yellow and Tram-Train routes whilst the Blue route was also impacted by damage near Arbourthorne Road. Later it was also noted that the overhead issues had caused damage to some trams as well which also needed to be fixed.

The problems led to severe delays on the network with the Purple and Tram-Train routes being suspended in their entirety whilst there were limited services on both the Blue and Yellow routes. As repairs were completed the situation changed but as at 1800 on 21st November the following services were running:

• BLUE – Malin Bridge to Halfway – approximately every 30 minutes
• YELLOW – Middlewood to Cricket Inn Road – approximately every 30 minutes

There was ticket acceptance in place with First buses and Northern railway services from Sheffield to Rotherham only"

 

[eastwestdivide]

Not sure I’d leave anything there overnight though…

Looks like it left Parkgate empty at 2131 as a 5A95 2131 Parkgate to Sheffield Cathedral according to RTT:

Realtime Trains | 5A95 2131 Parkgate to Sheffield Cathedral | 21/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 5A95 2131 departure from Parkgate to Sheffield Cathedral on 21/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Jamesrob637]

There were still issues on Saturday. I had to wait nearly half an hour at Central Station for a tram. Could've walked it quicker!

 

[JD2168]

After this happening at last weekend there are now staff shortages causing a number of cancellations particularly on the Yellow & Blue routes

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Nov 2025 ==

A temporary timetable is to be introduced from 29th November which will see the Yellow & Blue routes running every 15 minutes each rather than every 12 minutes each

 

[eastwestdivide]

The new Magna tram-train stop has gained a station code, MAB, as seen on this realtimetrains screenshot. It's not showing up in the timings yet though.

 

[Hyebone]

The new Magna tram-train stop has gained a station code, MAB, as seen on this realtimetrains screenshot. It's not showing up in the timings yet though.

View attachment 197230

Where is the B from?

 

[Bryson]

Where is the B from?

Blackburn Meadows? or Brinsworth? Both are adjacent to Magna.

 

[eastwestdivide]

Where is the B from?

The hive mind, probably

 

[YorksLad12]

Where is the B from?

MAG (Maghull), MAN (Manchester Piccadilly) and MGM (Metheringham) are already taken. I don't know if MAA or MGA are (or might be in the future). There's only one MM- station though - MMO (Melton Mowbray).