Sheffield's Supertram is operated by Stagecoach who has recently refreshed their product. The main aims of the refresh project were to maintain and improve passenger and staff comfort; to enhance the interior ambience; to improve the accessibility in order to meet the needs of less mobile passengers; and to maintain current high standards of reliability of the vehicles. The service is considered to be reliable with good levels of punctuality. It is on-street running, sharing the highway with other mixed traffic. Because all vehicles are double manned, with a driver and conductor each, communications are good, with links to control room staff as well. Roving inspectors keep the system running smoothly with reduced fare evasion. Safety and security are enhanced by the use of high technology CCTV and PA systems and by close liaison with the local police. Drivers are trained to high levels of skill in order to cope with the on-street running and hilly topography of the city. The interiors of the vehicles and tramstops were spruced up and control room operations and ticketing procedures were up-graded. Plans in the pipeline include expansion of the fleet and the on-going development of real-time passenger information provision.
Samenvatting