Plans for Sheffield’s Supertram to travel through Derbyshire are being considered by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, with routes connecting to Chesterfield for passengers.
The route will include a tram-train on rail lines to Stockbridge and Chesterfield through Barrow Hill.
Elaine Cooper, 51, who uses Sheffield trams every day, said: “I get the train in from Chesterfield every Monday to Friday, then I go to the tram stop to get to Hillsborough, the tickets are cheap and it’s quicker than the bus.
“The only problem is spending fifty pounds a week on train tickets. I’d love them to connect the tram to Chesterfield, I’d save so much money and I really need it at the moment, I think we all do.”
Passengers will be able to use these routes in the future for a more efficient and cost effective journey than if they were to travel by bus, train or car.
James Worth, 26, an environmental activist for various groups in South Yorkshire, said: “Adding these routes is so important for bigger cities. I try to cycle and travel on the tram as much as I can to reduce my emissions.
“These extensions can get rid of congestion and pollution which is a good achievement for any city. I don’t drive yet but it’s always good to know that I can get to more places without having to rely on a car.”
Poppy Simkin, a 19 year-old student says: “I’ve got a part-time job in Meadowhall, I can drive but leave my car at home because the roads are too busy around West Street and the city centre but I always take the tram to work.
“I do have family in Derbyshire but I live down south so it would be much easier for me to visit them from Sheffield and it would be so much cheaper than the train.”
The extra routes also have a positive environmental impact, tramways are the most energy efficient forms of transport and can improve Sheffield’s carbon footprint.
The council express their persistence for sustainable travel across South Yorkshire and extending tram routes contributes to a more environmentally friendly system.
Supertram was taken over by South Yorkshire Future Trams Limited from the Mayoral Combined Authority but was formerly run by Stagecoach.
The plans are still being considered by the Mayor and there will be more information released soon.