South Yorkshires Supertram has surpassed ten million passenger journeys under public control, since it was moved from private ownership this time last year.
This comes after a reported increase of reliability across the Supertram network, with reliability levels rising to 97% under public control.
The rise in reliability has been attributed to the £15.3 million investment, also causing passenger numbers and profits to rise.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Just over a year ago we took back control of our tram network; a network that hadn’t had much love or investment over its nearly thirty years of life, a network that didn’t work for all too many people.
“To have now hit 10 million passenger journeys on Supertram since bringing it back under our control is a huge achievement.
“I’m proud of the dedicated Supertram team who work hard day in and day out and put people and passengers at the heart of what they do.”
Due to recent successes across the network, a new tram stop is set to open in Magna at the end of this year – it aims to support those commuting for work from Templeborough, Rotherham and visitors of the Magna Science Adventure Centre.
On top of new tram stops the mayoral authority is looking to expand the Supertram with the purchase of a new fleet of trams by 2032, subject to government funding approval.
South Yorkshires bus network is also set to change to public ownership by 2027, aligning with the White Rose agreement signed by Mayor Coppard and Yorkshires other Metro Mayors earlier in the year.
Mayor Coppard Said: “My ambition is nothing less than a world-class public transport network for South Yorkshire. But we won’t get there just with big strides, it’s also about the small steps. And step by step, we’re fixing public transport in South Yorkshire.”
The Supertram network runs on 100% renewable energy and offers full accessibility across all stops, as well as recently allowing dogs on all trams.
Sean English, Managing Director at Supertram said: “With continued investment, improved services, and growing passenger numbers, we’re proud to support the Mayor’s vision of putting the public at the heart of public transport.”
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