In an effort to combat fraudulent ticketing activity, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) have announced card payments will no longer be accepted onboard for City-wide 7-Day and SY Connect 7-Day tickets.

The changes to purchasing methods for the Citywide 7-Day and SY Connect 7-Day tickets, aims to address issues which have been identified specific to these ticket types.

Supertram managing director, Sean English, emphasised the importance of the change.

He said: “Removing the card payment option onboard for these specific tickets is an important step in preventing fraudulent activity.”

However, the move has triggered some controversy as regular tram users are upset by the decision.

Pamela Crookes, 67, frequent tram user said, “I don’t understand it. Why have they changed it to cash only payments when people are now more than ever no longer carrying cash and only using cards.

“I thought we had already transitioned to card so I don’t think it’s necessary to go back to cash to solve the issue.’’

Similarly, Ben Hughes, 20, a student, questioned the council’s plan.

He said: “I’m not someone who regularly has cash on hand, so hopefully they don’t start applying this to shorter-range tickets.’’

It should also be made clear that, at present, there are no current plans to extend the changes to payments for other tram tickets.

Although this change means on board card payments will no longer be accepted, City-wide 7-Day and SY Connect 7-Day tickets will still be available to purchase using card payment via the TSY mobile app.

John Henshall, General Manager at TravelMaster, reassured customers. He said: “Customers still have multiple easy and secure ways to buy their tickets. We remain focused on providing safe, accessible, and convenient ticketing options for everyone.”

The changes to the payment method for City-wide 7-Day and SY Connect 7-Day tickets will be made effective from Sunday, 23rd March 2025.