04.05.20
Sheffield Metro Mayor secures £11m public transport deal
Mayor of the Sheffield City Region Dan Jarvis has secured £11m worth of funding to protect essential public transport services for key workers and essential journeys.
More than £10m was secured by the Mayor in April for bus services whilst maintaining and extending concessionary payments. The effect of which will see the protection of bus services not only during this period but also after lockdown restrictions are relaxed.
The most recent funding package, worth over £1m, was secured by the Mayor on Saturday (May 2) and will safeguard the Supertram services in the region.
Mayor Jarvis said:
“Public transport is a lifeline for so many in our community. It has proved invaluable during the Coronavirus pandemic to ensure that key workers are able to get to work, as well as ensuring safe passage for those conducting essential journeys.
“I welcome the funding that has been announced that will allow our tram and tram train services to continue during this lockdown period.
“I’ve been working closely with the Government as well as the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and operators of bus, tram and rail services, to plan what public transport services could look like once lockdown restrictions are eased. I’m still encouraging everyone to continue following the national guidance for as long as is necessary. When restrictions are relaxed, I’m ensuring plans will be in place to enable us to adhere to social distancing and continue running public transport for all our communities.”
The Mayor’s fight to protect public transport in the area will see a critical part of South Yorkshire’s public transport network continue to transport the essential workers now and after lockdown is lifted.
The City Region has worked closely with Government, the Mayor, SYPTE, Supertram and other stakeholders to secure this package.
Photo: Sheffield City Region