UK: South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has launched an early market engagement exercise to inform its plans for the future procurement of 25 trams to replace the original Sheffield Supertram fleet.
SYMCA and arms-length public sector tram operator South Yorkshire Future Trams Ltd will be inviting suppliers to participate in a series of engagement activities, including face-to-face discussions and site visits to view the current fleet, network and maintenance facilities.
This will give suppliers the opportunity to gain early insight into SYMCA’s requirements and procurement approach, share technical solutions, indicative costings and delivery timescales, and demonstrate their capabilities to deliver a modern, efficient and sustainable fleet.
Procurement plans
The information gathered will help shape SYMCA’s final procurement specification and business case, ensuring the new fleet meets operational needs, infrastructure compatibility and long-term service goals.
It envisages that the tender notice could be published in December 2025. The contract value is estimated at £116m, and the new fleet is expected to be fully operational by 2032.
SYMCA has also commenced a market engagement exercise for the modernisation of the 25 trams supplied by Siemens-Duewag for the opening of the network in 1992.
‘Once-in-a-generation opportunity’
‘Supertram is a vital part of South Yorkshire’s transport network, but our current fleet is nearing the end of its life’, said Tom Howard, Director of Transport Development & Capital Delivery at SYMCA, on September 24.
‘This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in a modern, accessible and sustainable tram system that works for our communities and our future. We’re inviting the best of the industry to help us shape that future.’
The current Supertram fleet also includes seven Vossloh (now Stadler) CityLink tram-trains supplied in 2015-16 for the Rotherham extension.
