The next milestone in the programme to implement ‘Connect Sheffield’, the UK’s first integrated wayfinding system which links public and private transport and pedestrian information in one easy to understand format, is unveiled on Friday (23 March).
At a special ceremony taking place in Cathedral Square, the first tram stop to ‘go live’ will be unveiled in the presence of representatives of Sheffield City Council, the Transport Executive and City ID, the design team responsible for creating ‘Connect Sheffield’.
On show will be a unique information tool that comprises a map of the whole Supertram network, fares, timetables and a city centre map of the vicinity featuring attractions and guidance on walking distances - a service that is being replicated at all city centre tram stops.
A similar amenity will also appear at all Supertram stops in Sheffield, though in this case each stop will give details of local timetables, fares and routes.
David Young, Head of Transport Integration at the Transport Executive, said: “The second phase of ‘Connect Sheffield’ focuses on the key role that tram services now play in Sheffield.
“The high quality, easy to follow information tells passengers everything they need to know about using public transport in Sheffield and will benefit pedestrians, bus, tram and train passengers and cardrivers, not only in the city centre but all over the network.
”In addition, by presenting key messages at an appropriate height, the new-style information points have all been designed to be particularly user-friendly to disabled travellers.”
This initiative on tram stops integrates perfectly with existing ‘Connect’ Pedestrian Information Points (PIPs) and bus stop flags that have been a feature of city life in Sheffield since autumn 2006.
The PIPs are located at regular intervals along the main pedestrian routes around the city centre and until now have been the most visible element of a £5m project to address the needs of pedestrians and bus and tram passengers.
Julia Shaw, Commercial Manager at Supertram, said: ”We are delighted to be associated with ‘Connect Sheffield’, an exclusive project which has already proved its value by providing legible, accurate, frequent and consistent travel information.
“Supertram is now fully accepted as an essential part of the daily life of Sheffield, and extending the scope of this project should open up the possibilities of really integrated transport to many more people.”
The main partners for ‘Connect Sheffield’ are Sheffield City Council, the Transport Executive, University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University and a number of developers. Funding has been sourced from the partners, Objective 1 European funding, private developer funding and LTP funds. No funds have been allocated from Council Tax.