Sheffield Supertram - Sheffield Supertram Rules of Operation - E

Sheffield Supertram - E

Sheffield Supertram Rules of Operation

The rules of operation of the South Yorkshire Supertram are similar to those of a traditional railway. But unlike normal trains, tramways can be operated without signalling, although block signalling is sometimes necessary on single-line sections. The trams are driven on a line-of-sight basis, so that the tram can be stopped if an obstruction is spotted ahead.

The route a tram is to take is computer-controlled. The route is set on a device in the tram before a journey is started, and on approach to junctions, a signal is sent from the tram to a device known as a VIS loop buried beneath the track. This automatically sets the points in the correct direction. Signals, however, are used to give indications to tram drivers when running on-street and at street crossings.

As trams have priority at many places, it was necessary to give them different traffic light phases from motor traffic and therefore different types of indication have to be used from those applicable to motor vehicles. Signal phases for the tramway are specifically modified to account for the length of the tram. The tram signals are usually operated alongside and in conjunction with traffic signals. Signals consist of white lights arranged vertically (for go), horizontally (for stop) and a cross (for caution). Two other light arrangement indicate a point direction at junctions.

Points indicators are provided at junctions to indicate the route which is set through the points. At junctions where Supertram and train movements can conflict with road traffic, fixed signals are provided in addition to points indicators. A points indicator may only be passed if it displays the correct route indication for the tram concerned and, where fixed signals are provided, if both points indicators and fixed signals are set for the correct route.

Lineside signals give instructions or warnings to tram drivers. To distinguish them from normal road signs, they are diamond-shaped. The most common are speed restrictions, which are in miles per hour. These are particularly necessary on road-running where trams travel along with road traffic.

Sheffield Supertram Fares and Ticketing

Prior to the Stagecoach takeover, ticketing was done via ticket machines, provided by Abberfield Technology of Australia. These blue ticket machines dispensed adult single ride tickets, senior citizen concessionary tickets and child concessionary tickets. As well as singles, the machines sold multi-packs at a discount. Fare tables were shown on the machines with the validity of the different prices. To travel, each ticket had to be validated in a yellow machine on the platform. The ticket defined the type of passenger and trip. On validation, an overprint was added, giving the tramstop code, time and date of validation and the point of validation.

As the machines did not dispense change, nearby shop-owners were often asked for change to purchase tickets from the machines. There were also problems with machine reliability. Just prior to Stagecoach taking over Supertram a move was made to remove the ticket machines and begin selling tickets on board using conductors. This change brought two key positives: an improved staff presence on board each tram, and meant that passenger's tickets could be systematically checked.

Stagecoach Sheffield period tickets are valid on the trams and on Stagecoach buses, and period SYPTE tickets covering Sheffield or the whole of South Yorkshire are valid on Supertram as well as buses and trains. Unlike some other tramway and light rail operators in England, Supertram accepts concessionary travel passes issued by any English local authority. PlusBus tickets are accepted as well.

In January 2020 the option to pay for a ticket via credit/debit card, along with other contactless methods of payment (such as Google Pay and Apple Pay), was introduced to all trams. Up until this point the only payment method onboard was cash.

In October 2020, £2.6 million was allocated to Stagecoach Supertram to make up for lost revenue caused by the Coronavirus outbreak.

Sheffield Supertram Corporate Affairs

Sheffield Supertram Ownership and Structure

The system is owned by the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), which in turn is controlled by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, which consists of representatives from the metropolitan boroughs of Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, and Barnsley.

Supertram is operated through an exclusive concession agreement between SYPTE and South Yorkshire Supertram Ltd (SYSL), now a wholly owned subsidiary of Stagecoach Holdings PLC. SYSL holds the concession to operate and maintain the network until 31 March 2024.

Sheffield Supertram Overview

Sheffield Supertram Owner: South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive

Sheffield Supertram Area Served:

Rotherham

Sheffield

Locale

South Yorkshire

Derbyshire (bypass)

Sheffield Supertram Transit Type:

Light rail

Tram

Tram-train

Sheffield Supertram Number of Lines: 4

Sheffield Supertram Number of Stations: 50

Sheffield Supertram Annual Ridership:

8.4 million (2022/23)

Sheffield Supertram Increase: 21.7%

Sheffield Supertram Chief Executive: Tim Bilby

Sheffield Supertram Headquarters:

Nunnery Depot

Woodbourn Road

Sheffield

S9 3LS

Sheffield Supertram Operation:

Sheffield Supertram Began Operation: 21 March 1994, 29 years ago

Sheffield Supertram Operator(s): Stagecoach

Sheffield Supertram umber of Vehicles:

25 Siemens-Duewag Supertram

7 Class 399 Stadler Citylink

Sheffield Supertram System Length: 34.6 km (21.5 mi)

Sheffield Supertram Track Gauge: 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge

Sheffield Supertram Electrification: 750 V DC overhead line

Sheffield Supertram Top Speed: 55 mph (89 km/h)

Sheffield Supertram Map

Middlewood

Leppings Lane

Hillsborough Park

Malin Bridge

Hillsborough

Bamforth Street

Langsett/Primrose View

Infirmary Road

Shalesmoor

Netherthorpe Road

Brook Hill Underpass

University of Sheffield

West Street

City Hall

Cathedral

Castle Square

Fitzalan Square/Ponds Forge

Park Square Bridge

Viaduct alongside Sheffield Parkway

Hyde Park

Cricket Inn Road

Nunnery Square

Woodburn Road

Attercliffe

Arena/Olympic Legacy Park

Valley Centertainment

Carbrook

Meadowhall South/Tinsley

Meadowhall Interchange

Rotherham Central

Parkgate

Sheffield Station/Sheffield Hallam University

Granville Road/The Sheffield College

Viaduct over Norfolk Park Road

Park Grange Croft

Park Grange

Arbourthorne Road

Spring Lane

Manor Top/Elm Tree

Hollinsend

Gleadless Townend

Herdings Park

White Lane

Birley Lane

Birley Moor Road

Hackenthorpe

Donetsk Way

Moss Way

Crystal Peaks

Beighton/Drakehouse Lane

Waterthorpe

Westfield

Halfway

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