HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF SUPERTRAM FOR THE SOUTH YORKSHIRE PEOPLE'S NETWORK

Published 6 August 2026 at 3:30pm

People across South Yorkshire are being invited to help shape the future of public transport as the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) launches a major public engagement programme next week on plans for a brand-new Supertram fleet as part of the South Yorkshire People's Network.

The new fleet will play a central role in The People’s Network, with a vision for a fully integrated public transport system that better connects communities, supports economic growth and makes it easier for people to get around South Yorkshire. With the current Supertram vehicles approaching the end of their operational life after more than 30 years of service, people now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the trams that will serve the region for decades to come.

From Monday 10 August until Friday 18 September 2026, people can complete an online survey via the Supertram fleet consultation survey and share their views on everything from accessibility and comfort to onboard technology, safety and passenger information.

A series of public exhibitions will also take place across South Yorkshire in August, where people can view creative fleet mock-ups, explore proposed design concepts and speak directly with the programme team about what they want from the next generation of trams.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “We're transforming public transport across South Yorkshire, and bringing in a brand new fleet of trams is a huge part of those ambitions.

"It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We’re investing £90 million on the new trams, and we need to make the most of it.

"The trams have been part of our lives for more than 30 years - helping us get to work, school, appointments, days out and so much more. They've served South Yorkshire brilliantly, but they're getting past the point where we need to update them if we want to make sure the network is fit for the future.

“We want our new trams to be easy to use, accessible, comfortable and reliable; making it simpler for us all to get around.

"Whether you use the tram every day, every now and then, or you'd like to use it more in future, come along to one of our exhibitions, take part in the survey and tell us what you'd like to see.

"Public transport in South Yorkshire is getting better and we’re making a tram network we can be proud of for generations to come."

The survey asks people about their experiences of travelling on Supertram today and what they would like to see in the future. Topics include step-free access, seating layouts, space for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles, safety features, air conditioning, onboard information screens, journey information and other improvements that could make journeys easier and more comfortable.

Feedback gathered through the survey and exhibitions will help inform the specification for the new fleet before SYMCA goes out to tender and invites manufacturers to bid to deliver trams for The South Yorkshire People’s Network.

The new fleet programme forms part of SYMCA's wider investment in modernising the Supertram network and delivering The South Yorkshire People's Network – a fully integrated public transport system designed to better connect people with jobs, education, healthcare, leisure opportunities and each other.

The replacement of the existing fleet marks a major milestone in securing the long-term future of Supertram following its return to public control. Alongside wider investment across the network, the programme will ensure South Yorkshire continues to benefit from a reliable, accessible and sustainable tram system for generations to come.

People can take part in the survey from Monday 10 August until Friday 18 September 2026, while public exhibitions showcasing creative fleet mock-ups and design concepts will take place on:

• Tuesday 11 August – The Café, Riverside House, Main Street, Rotherham, S60 1AE , 11:00 - 14:00 and 15:00 - 18:00.
• Wednesday 12 August - The Workstation, 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield, S1 2BX,11:00 - 14:00 and 15:00 - 18:00.

We will also be hosting online information sessions via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 18 August:

• 12:00-13:00
• 18:00-19:00

You can find out more about the consultation and upcoming events on the South Yorkshire People’s Network website.

Paper copies will also be available from Monday 10 August at the Customer Service Desk at Sheffield Interchange, Meadowhall Interchange and Sheffield Railway Station. Those who do not have access to the internet can call 0800 952 0002 to request a copy of the engagement pack by post.

The new fleet procurement programme is funded through the Transport for City Regions (TCR) funding stream.