© South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has announced a new Supertram policy change, allowing one ‘well-behaved’ dog per tram passenger.

Over 75% of the 10,600 consultation responses were positive, a clear demand that was further backed by the over 6,000 dogs that used the service during the trial period.

This new rule replaces the previous restriction that only allowed assistance dogs or pets in carry cages.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Fixing public transport in South Yorkshire means making it work for all of us, and that includes our four-legged friends.   

“More than 10,000 people have told us: allowing dogs on trams makes our network more inclusive and accessible.  

“We’re building a public transport system that reflects the needs of the people who use it every day. Whether you’re commuting, exploring, or simply heading out with your dog, Supertram will get you there.”  

This progressive move aligns South Yorkshire’s tram service with similar networks that have successfully integrated dogs, including those in Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, and Blackpool.

Sean English, Managing Director at Supertram, said: “We’re delighted to welcome dogs onboard our trams permanently, following the strong public support we saw during the trial. This change reflects our commitment to making Supertram more accessible and responsive to the needs of our passengers. 

“I’d also like to thank our Supertram colleagues for their hard work and dedication throughout the trial period, their efforts were instrumental in making it a success.” 

For more guidance on the new information about travelling with dogs on trams, visit the Dogs on Trams page on Travel South Yorkshire.