35073
The tram Stagecoach Supertram in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England.
Interest in the development of a modern tram system for Sheffield mounted during the 1980s, after further planning was performed by SYPTE, the Supertram proposal was approved via an Act of Parliament during 1991. Construction of the Supertram network, which incorporated several existing heavy rail sections as well as new track, was carried out in sections, allowing for the commencement of the first revenue services during 1994. Early operations were hindered by a complex ticketing system and the initially small coverage area, contributing to disappointing ridership figures during its first years.
During 1997, in an efforts to turn around the network's performance, the operation of Supertram was privatised to Stagecoach at price of £1.15 million, who took over from South Yorkshire Supertram Limited. Following management and operational changes, as well as further expansion of the system, ridership numbers risened considerably. The Supertram network currently consists of 48 stations across three colour-coded lines, the Blue, Purple and Yellow routes. As well as connecting with local and national bus and rail services, the network serves six park and ride sites.
Starting in 2008, interest has been expressed in the launch of hybrid tram-train operations, enabling services to traverse sections of the National Rail network in addition to tramways. During 2012, this interest solidified into an experimental trial being planned, as this would be the first deployment of tram-trains anywhere in the United Kingdom. The start of tram-train operations, using a purpose-procured fleet of new Vossloh-built Class 399 Citylink electric multiple units, has been repeatedly delayed due to shortcomings in the planning of infrastructure adaptations, while significant cost overruns have also been experienced. On 25 October 2018, Supertram is scheduled to commence operations of the new tram-train line from Cathedral to Rotherham Parkgate.
35073
The tram Stagecoach Supertram in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England.
Interest in the development of a modern tram system for Sheffield mounted during the 1980s, after further planning was performed by SYPTE, the Supertram proposal was approved via an Act of Parliament during 1991. Construction of the Supertram network, which incorporated several existing heavy rail sections as well as new track, was carried out in sections, allowing for the commencement of the first revenue services during 1994. Early operations were hindered by a complex ticketing system and the initially small coverage area, contributing to disappointing ridership figures during its first years.
During 1997, in an efforts to turn around the network's performance, the operation of Supertram was privatised to Stagecoach at price of £1.15 million, who took over from South Yorkshire Supertram Limited. Following management and operational changes, as well as further expansion of the system, ridership numbers risened considerably. The Supertram network currently consists of 48 stations across three colour-coded lines, the Blue, Purple and Yellow routes. As well as connecting with local and national bus and rail services, the network serves six park and ride sites.
Starting in 2008, interest has been expressed in the launch of hybrid tram-train operations, enabling services to traverse sections of the National Rail network in addition to tramways. During 2012, this interest solidified into an experimental trial being planned, as this would be the first deployment of tram-trains anywhere in the United Kingdom. The start of tram-train operations, using a purpose-procured fleet of new Vossloh-built Class 399 Citylink electric multiple units, has been repeatedly delayed due to shortcomings in the planning of infrastructure adaptations, while significant cost overruns have also been experienced. On 25 October 2018, Supertram is scheduled to commence operations of the new tram-train line from Cathedral to Rotherham Parkgate.