Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region has been fighting to ensure that essential public transport services can continue to run for key workers and for essential journeys.
Earlier this month the Mayor secured a package of funding for bus services worth more than £10 million and maintained and extended concessionary payments. This not only secured journeys for key workers but also safeguarded bus services for when the lockdown restrictions are relaxed.
Today, the Mayor has once again, lead the way and managed to secure a funding package worth more than £1 million for the Supertram services.
Mayor Jarvis said: “Public transport is a lifeline for so many in our community. It has proved invaluable during the Coronavirus pandemic to ensure that key workers are able to get to work, as well as ensuring safe passage for those conducting essential journeys.
“I welcome the funding that has been announced that will allow our tram and tram train services to continue during this lockdown period.
“I’ve been working closely with the Government as well as the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and operators of bus, tram and rail services, to plan what public transport services could look like once lockdown restrictions are eased. I’m still encouraging everyone to continue following the national guidance for as long as is necessary. When restrictions are relaxed, I'm ensuring plans will be in place to enable us to adhere to social distancing and continue running public transport for all our communities.”
Tim Bilby, Managing Director of Stagecoach Supertram, said: “Supertram is a critical part of South Yorkshire’s public transport network - even more so during the pandemic - and this funding will ensure the current emergency tram network can continue to provide vital connections for key workers and other essential journeys.
“Government, the Mayor, SYPTE, Supertram, and other stakeholders from across the Sheffield City Region have worked extensively together to secure this package. We would also like to thank our frontline and support teams at Supertram for their selfless efforts to keep services running.
"Supertram will also have a key part to play in the region’s recovery when we do come through this difficult period. It will be vital that the system has the resources it needs to seek to restore the service towards pre-pandemic levels when there will likely still be conditions which will change how people live and travel.”