The superb Siemens low floor trams used by the Sheffield Supertram have brought high
quality Continental style public transport to the northern English city of Sheffield. The
first of the new English systems to have extensive street-running has had a difficult first few
years, with no established patronage base to build on, strong competition from unregulated
buses, unfortunate timing of urban planning decisions, an antagonistic local newspaper,
uninspired vehicle livery, lack-lustre marketing initially and severe financing difficulties.
Despite all these initial difficulties, the superbly engineered and equipped Sheffield Supertram, now run by Stagecoach PLC
is building patronage and popularity with passengers.
(Photo - R.J.Tarr, 1997)