Tram removes card payments for weekly tickets

A tram service will stop accepting card payments onboard for certain tickets to stop "misuse and fraudulent activity".

CityWide 7-Day and SYConnect 7-Day tickets for South Yorkshire's Supertram service will only be available to purchase with cash from 23 March, according to South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Supertram managing director Sean English said the move was an "important step" in preventing fraud.

Other tickets including tram-only tickets and TravelMaster GetAbout 7-Day Child tickets will still be available to buy using a card.

The Supertram service was introduced in 1994, but was placed under public control last year.

It is now managed by the SYMCA.

The network operates on four routes covering 21 miles across Sheffield, with a tram-train extension connecting to Rotherham.

A statement from the SYMCA said: "Supertram, TravelMaster and Travel South Yorkshire remain committed to providing accessible, secure and convenient ticketing options, ensuring customers can continue to purchase tickets with confidence."

TravelMaster general manager John Henshall said the organisation supported the decision.

He said: "Customers still have multiple easy and secure ways to buy their tickets.

"We remain focused on providing safe, accessible, and convenient ticketing options for everyone."

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