Sustainable transport schemes improving connectivity in South Yorkshire awarded £570m

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has been awarded £570m from the Department for Transport to invest in sustainable travel schemes across the region.

The City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement funding will support schemes over the next five years and will be managed by the SYMCA.

Money will go towards improving the Supertram in Sheffield, as well as building several new bus routes and active travel links to the north of the city, via the Northern General Hospital.

Investment will also go into Sheffield’s bus network and net zero emission buses will be introduced. In addition, funding to complement the progress already made through Connecting Sheffield schemes, improving transport infrastructure and encouraging active travel and the use of public transport has been confirmed.

Cllr Julie Grocutt, Co-Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: ‘We are committed to safer and more sustainable travel and it is fantastic that Sheffield, as well as the wider region, has secured the funding it needs to see out its ambitions. We will work alongside the people of Sheffield through consultation to deliver these important changes.

‘This year alone, through the Connecting Sheffield initiative, we have introduced the Sheaf Valley Cycle route and reintroduced the city centre shuttle bus, Sheffield Connect. We will continue to make progress towards a more sustainable and safer transport network both through the City Region Settlement and the Council’s already ambitious plans.

‘As England’s fourth-largest city it is crucial we can offer a travel network that residents deserve, and it is more important than ever that the service on offer is sustainable in line with our goal of achieving net zero carbon by 2030.’

Buses to be given priority include those along the A6135 from the city centre to Chapeltown, buses along the A61 from Meadowhead roundabout and from the city centre to the north of the city. Capacity for the Park and Ride at Meadowhall Interchange Mobility Hub will be increased and amenities will be improved. Electric charging points, family and disabled parking bays, waiting facilities, cycle stands, and cycle lockers will be installed, and there is a possibility mobility scooter lockers will also form part of the plans.

Photo by Mitchell Johnson