Bid for funding for Magna Tram Train stop

A bid for funding will be submitted to the Government in November, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive said.

The planned stop would be built in the north-west corner of the Magna site and be linked with a park and ride scheme.

Tram Train services linking Rotherham with Sheffield launched in October 2018 — three years late and costing five times the original £15 million budget.

A new stop was built at Parkgate Shopping but talks about adding one at Magna were dropped when the science centre was told it would have to foot the bill, the Advertiser understands.

But with Tram Train proving popular with passengers, SYPTE has decided to explore ways of enhancing the service and Magna is back on the agenda.

Science centre chief executive Kevin Tomlinson welcomed the news. He said: “We would be very supportive of the introduction of a park and ride facility at Magna.

“It would both encourage increased attendances at the attraction and provide what would be a valuable service to the tram travellers of both Rotherham and Sheffield.”

SYPTE customer service director Tim Taylor said: “Tram Train has provided half a million journeys in its first six months and is proving extremely popular with customers.

“A recent survey by Transport Focus found satisfaction with the overall journey and journey time on the Tram Train route was 100 per cent.

“Though a Tram Train stop at Magna was not part of the original pilot plans, ensuring the long term sustainability of the tram train network in the future is one of SYPTE’s and Sheffield City Region’s priorities.

“A new Tram Train stop at Magna, with park and ride facilities, is just one of the options we are currently exploring as part of the Sheffield City Region’s bid submission to the Transforming Cities Fund.

“Details of this are yet to be finalised but bids are due to be submitted in November.”