Sheffield is set to receive a major upgrade to its Supertram network as part of a £1.3billion investment announced by Rachel Reeves.
The funding was outlined in yesterday’s Autumn Budget and is aimed at improving transport across several cities in the UK, with Sheffield’s tram system among the projects on the list.
The investment will cover the “renewal” of Sheffield’s Supertram, which includes upgrading existing infrastructure such as tracks, overhead lines and potentially new trams.
Reeves said: “We will deliver £1.3 billion of funding to improve connectivity in our city regions.
“Funding projects like the Brierley Hill metro extension in the West Midlands, the renewal of Sheffield Supertram, and the West Yorkshire Mass Transit including in Bradford and Leeds.”
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This announcement comes as local leaders, including the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), have pushed for improvements and extensions to the tram network.
SYMCA has been exploring the possibility of expanding the tram service to places like Stocksbridge and Barrow Hill.
Locals have also voiced interest in extending tram access to Sheffield’s hospitals, which are currently only accessible via a significant walk from the nearest stops.
The Sheffield Supertram network has been under public management since May 2024, following years of private operation.
Regional leaders, including Louise Haigh, Sheffield’s Labour MP and the Secretary of State for Transport, have expressed strong support for expanding Sheffield’s public transit options to ease travel within the city.
While it’s not clear when the improvements will be made exactly, Sheffield could soon benefit from new incredible trams.
Earlier this year an investment case was submitted, which proposed plans for the tram fleet to be refurbished by March 2027.
It added that “a whole new fleet” could be rolled out by 2032, subject to government funding, which the city now has.
Other transport investments announced in the budget include a continued bus fare cap, now set at £3 for a single journey and additional transport infrastructure improvements in northern England.
