South Yorkshire has set out one of the most ambitious public transport transformation programmes anywhere in the UK, as Mayor Oliver Coppard unveils the new South Yorkshire People’s Network—a region‑wide brand and blueprint for a joined‑up, people‑first transport system spanning tram, rail, bus, and active travel.
With more than £1.5bn already committed, including £630m for full renewal and enhancement of the Supertram system and significant rail funding secured through Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), the People’s Network marks a major turning point for a region long frustrated by fragmented services, rising fares and declining reliability.
A Once-in-a-Generation Shift Towards Public Control
Central to the transformation is the return of the tram network to full public control—a move widely welcomed by passengers and industry stakeholders. From next year, buses will join them, as South Yorkshire progresses through its franchising programme borough by borough, beginning in Doncaster and Sheffield in 2027 before achieving full regional coverage by 2029.
Announcing the overhaul, Mayor Oliver Coppard said:
“Transport isn’t just about getting from A to B. A proper public transport network gives people real freedom and choice about how they travel… connects people to opportunity and opens up new horizons.”
He added:
The People’s Network is built on six guiding principles—freedom and choice, prioritising people, affordability, growth, future-readiness, and safety—underpinning policy decisions for the next two decades.
Major Tram and Tram-Train Expansion
The tram system, which has served Sheffield and Rotherham for nearly 30 years, is now at the centre of a renewal programme that will see:
- 25 entirely new trams enter service over the next five years.
- A refreshed network identity, applied across stops, shelters and vehicles.
- Wayfinding upgrades designed to make interchange easier and more intuitive.
- Continued development of tram‑train technology following the UK-first Rotherham pilot.
Crucially, the region has secured £7.5m of government funding to explore future tram and tram‑train extensions. These could improve connectivity to growth zones such as Waverley, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, and underserved communities that rely heavily on public transport.
By the 2030s, the Vision aims to deliver:
- A full fleet of 25 new trams
- A new Rotherham Gateway train station and tram stop
- An expanded tram / tram‑train network supporting modal shift, regeneration and commuter demand
- Completion of upgrades on the Penistone Line, improving reliability and capacity
These represent some of the most significant rail‑adjacent developments in South Yorkshire in a generation.
Rail Investment Accelerates Through Northern Powerhouse Rail
South Yorkshire’s rail ambitions are equally far‑reaching. Under the People’s Network Vision, the region expects to benefit from phased delivery of Northern Powerhouse Rail, including:
- By the 2030s: Four fast trains per hour between Sheffield ↔ Leeds
- By the 2040s: Four fast trains per hour between Sheffield ↔ Manchester
In addition, the Vision includes:
- Capacity upgrades at Sheffield and Doncaster stations
- A new Waverley station, supporting major housing and employment growth
- Reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) to passenger flights by 2028, strengthening multi‑modal connectivity
These rail enhancements represent a long‑sought opportunity to modernise regional mobility and reduce reliance on the car while improving economic competitiveness.
What Passengers Will See First
The first public elements of the People’s Network will become visible in the coming months. The new brand—featuring molten orange and asphalt black to reflect industrial heritage and northern resilience—will be rolled out across:
- Tram staff uniforms
- Stops, shelters and interchanges
- Updated digital platforms, including a new website replacing Travel South Yorkshire
The Magna Tram Train station, serving one of the region’s leading visitor destinations, is set to open imminently.
From next year, the brand will also appear on buses coming under public control, on tram vehicles, and across both the Mayor’s and Sheffield City Council’s e‑bike schemes.
Simpler Fares and Better Integration
A core part of the Vision is creating an integrated ticketing system that allows seamless travel between bus, tram and rail services. New simplified tickets will be available on franchised services first, with products designed to cover both franchised and non‑franchised operators during the transition.
Meanwhile, the region is expanding free travel for under‑18s. After successful uptake in Barnsley, the scheme will extend to Sheffield—and the Mayor aims to roll it out across all of South Yorkshire by Summer 2027.
Towards a Healthier, More Connected Region
Mayor Coppard emphasised that delivering the full Vision will require long‑term investment but promised to fight for the region’s fair share. The ultimate goal, he said, is for “everyone in South Yorkshire to stay near and go far”, supported by communities that are “healthier, happier, safer and more prosperous.”
Image credit: iStock
