Amid complaints about poor punctuality and suspension, Supertram has handed out apology leaflets to the passengers waiting for the tram at main stops around the network this morning.
The message acknowledged the poor performance of the tram system in the past few weeks and especially in the past few days, with cancellation to the Blue and Yellow line.
Many customers have had their daily activities and meetings interfered with because of the tram delays and disruptions, making the transport system the centre of debate on SheffieldForum.
The leaflet stated “We’ve got plans to invest over £600m to fix those problems over the next few years. But in the meantime, we’re going to do everything we can to fix what we can, hire more staff, freeze fares in the New Year, and communicate better, so when there are problems, we explain what’s happening.”
In today’s statement, Supertram attributed the continuous disruptions to a combination of two primary issues: substandard infrastructure following the public takeover in May and a spike in staff and driver sick leave.
But it is not all gloomy weather for the future of Sheffield’s Supertram.
There has been efforts from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), including a current £110m investment, to improve the tracks and and add new stops. SYMCA is confident that will be more improvement to come.
SYMCA is determined to return South Yorkshire public transport and Supertram, in particular, back to a “world-class”, reliable and, foremost, cost-effective system for the people.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “My mission is clear: to build a world-class, integrated public transport system and make sure it’s affordable.
“Public control means decisions that put people first. Whether you’re commuting, studying, visiting family or heading out for the night, we’re creating a transport network that works for all of us.”
Oliver Coppard is hosting a public meeting on Monday December 1st at the Showroom Workstation in Sheffield to talk about the current issues and future outlook of the Supertram.
People can join the session from 5.30pm.
