MAJOR £12.8M PROGRAMME OF SUPERTRAM INVESTMENT COMPLETED

Published 6 November 2025 at 3:19pm

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard has hailed the completion of a major programme of works which has seen £12.8m invested in the Supertram system over the past year. 
 
Rail replacement works over October half-term marked the final phase of a programme of investment delivered this year as part of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s (SYMCA) commitment to invest over £110m by 2027.  

This includes upgrades to trams, track, control systems and power supplies alongside the construction of a new Tram Train station at Magna.  

A key part of this investment was essential rail replacement works, delivered by VolkerRail, which took place in phases between 29 March and 31 October to improve reliability, future-proof the system for years to come and extend the lifespan of our tram network. This year’s programme saw over 3.8km of rail replaced across the network, helping to ensure a safer, smoother and more reliable service for passengers. 
 
Other investment included repairs to the concrete track slab, with over 300 repairs completed and the replacement of 4.6km of polymer sealant around the rail, which helps improve the condition of the highway for other road users including cyclists. 

Substantial progress has also been made on the construction of the Magna tram train station in Rotherham, which is due to open early next year.   

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said:

“I want a public transport system that works for us in South Yorkshire. One that connects our communities, powers our economy, and helps us build a greener, fairer future. 

“Our investment in Supertram this year is a big step in that direction. By bringing Supertram under public control and by upgrading the network, we’re making sure our trams are reliable, safe, and fit for the future, so we can all get to where we need to be, when we want to be there. 

“There’s still more to do, and we’re not stopping here. But every metre of track we replace, every improvement we make, brings us closer to creating the world class public transport network our region deserves.”  

The rail replacement works were delivered by VolkerRail, a specialist railway infrastructure company whose light rail division is based in Doncaster. VolkerRail has delivered upgrades across a wide range of locations throughout the network. The works on Magna station are being led by Barnsley-based AmcoGiffen. 

This investment reflects SYMCA’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving the network for the benefit of all who travel across South Yorkshire. 

Melanie Corcoran, Executive Director of Transport, at SYMCA said:

"Delivering this year’s investment programme has been a huge team effort, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. Replacing 3.8km of rail across the network is a major milestone in our commitment to providing a safe, reliable and comfortable service for Supertram passengers. 

“We know how important the Supertram network is to the people of South Yorkshire, and we’re working hard to make sure the network continues to meet their needs. Not just today, but for many years to come. 

“With the final phase of rail replacement works now complete for this year, we’re looking forward to welcoming more people back onboard; whether it’s for work, leisure, or even a journey with your dog." 

Adam Meek, VolkerRail project manager, said:

"Our continued success is driven by the expertise of our team and our strong partnership with SYMCA. We’re committed to strengthening South Yorkshire’s public transport system, connecting communities and supporting the region’s economic growth.” 

The completion of this year's works follows shortly after the announcement earlier in October that dogs will now be permanently allowed on Supertram services following a successful trial and strong public support. 
 
Since the trial began in March over 6,000 dogs have travelled on Supertram, a clear sign of demand and public approval.