Tram service may expand to combat overcrowding
SHEFFIELD could be timetabling an expansion of its tram service to combat overcrowding on the network.
The case for providing more trams is being explored by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive as part of its draft tram strategy, currently under consultation.
The strategy, produced on behalf of South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority, covers the next 13 years.
It reports that existing tramlines offer plenty of capacity to expand the number of vehicles in operation and no infrastructure work would be necessary.
Trams could be extended by adding extra units but this option would involve work such as lengthening platforms.
Another option would be to maximise performance by giving trams priority at traffic signals. When this was done in Hillsborough it resulted in peak-hour savings of up to four minutes 24 seconds per tram.
The most recent market research survey found that almost 70% of Supertram passengers were satisfied with services. Punctuality figures for last year are 93.78% and reliability is 99.83%.
David Brown, director general of SYPTE, said: "This strategy maps out the way in which we believe we can get the best out of the network in the coming years and build upon its success. We look forward to hearing contributions from stakeholders about the way forward for Supertram."
The strategy is being sent out to key stakeholders and will shortly be available to view online at www.sypte.gov.uk. Comments should be submitted by January 23.
lBuses will return to the streets of Sheffield on Boxing Day and New Year's Day for the first time in 15 years – with a 1 flat fare.
Twelve routes will be operated by First between 9.30am and 5.30pm, funded by Sheffield Council and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.
Coun Ian Auckland, Sheffield Council cabinet member for transport, said: "Thanks to the council and SYPTE, 2008 will be the first year that people have been able to get on a bus, on what are traditional holiday days, since 1993.
"It may not be a full service but, together with Supertram, most areas should have a public transport option."
Routes operating will be: 11 City Centre-Stannington; 14 Woodhouse-City Centre-Loxley; 40 City Centre-Fulwood; 41 City Centre-Crystal Peaks; 47/48 Shiregreen-City Centre-Herdings; 51 City Centre-Lodge Moor; 52 Woodhouse-City Centre-Crookes; 53 Ecclesfield-City Centre-Bradway; 76 City Centre-High Green; 81/82 City Centre-Bents Green; 97 City Centre-Totley; 98 City Centre-Totley Brook.
Each service will operate hourly, apart from the 41, 52 and 76 and the Woodhouse-City Centre section of the 14 route, which will run every half-hour. Normal child fares and concessions will also be valid.
Timetables are available at www.travelsouthyorkshire. com and printed copies will be at Sheffield Interchange and Arundel Gate Interchange from December.
lSYPTE has been named as one of the best transport authorities in the country at this year's UK Bus Awards, which recognise best practice in public transport.
The executive was runner-up for Transport Authority of the Year and joint runner-up in the Bus Marketing Campaign category for its Carbon Quids campaign last autumn.
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