The Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT) is recognised by Government as the voice of the bus coach and light rail industries and the focus for consultation on national and international legislation, local regulation, operational practices and engineering standards.

From the 1st of October 2012 the requirements for a permit to travel on buses now also apply to anyone wishing to use a scooter on the Supertram network.

Stagecoach Supertram are committed to making tram travel accessible in a way that removes confusion, minimises conflict and enables access for mobility scooter users in a way that is safe and consistent across modes.

NOTE: The scheme does not affect passengers travelling in manual or powered wheelchairs, who will still be able to travel without the need for a permit.

What do I need to be able to travel on the tram?

Scooter Details

Unlike wheelchairs there are no legal requirements to carry Mobility Scooters on trams. Currently Mobility Scooters are carried at the discretion of Stagecoach Supertram. Due to their size some Mobility Scooters are unsuitable for use on trams. Only Scooters that meet the following requirements may be carried:

• Class 2 scooter with 3 or 4 wheels
• No more than 1000mm long
• No more than 600mm wide
• Turning radius not exceeding 1200mm
• Scooter plus occupant must not exceed 300kg (47 stone)

‘Class 3’ scooters are larger and capable of travelling at 6-8 mph. These are not designed to be carried on trams and will therefore be refused for carriage.

Scooter Assessments

To ensure that scooters can be carried on buses at times of disruption or planned works on the tram network, all Mobility Scooter users wishing to travel by tram must have their scooter assessed and approved as suitable for carriage on buses.

This approval covers both the design of the scooter and the ability of the user to
control and manoeuvre it safely.

In South Yorkshire assessments are only currently undertaken by First, Stagecoach (Bus) and Arriva. Anyone wanting to request an assessment should contact their local operator on the number provided below.

Stagecoach Supertram will not be conducting assessments but will be accepting permits issued by bus operators.

First 01709 566 000
Stagecoach 0845 266 6606
Arriva 0844 800 4411

Scooter Permit

Approval will be issued in the form of a credit card sized photographic ‘permit for travel’ which will be for a period of 5 years. The permit will also contain the conditions of use and the user should show this permit to the conductor when requested.
As well as being accepted on tram once this permit has been issued it will be accepted by all participating bus operators. Bus operators who are not issuing permits but will accept them include:

Hulleys of Baslow
Redline Barnsley
Sheffield Community Transport
TM Travel
Wilfreda Beehive

Requirements for Users of Mobility Scooters

Without exception scooters will only be accepted for travel on Supertram if the owner has a CPT permit for the scooter they using.

What should I do once on board?

• Park scooter in the designated space (if possible)
• Remain on scooter, using handrails to provide stability
• Switch off scooter motor
• Leave scooter in gear
• Do not park scooter where it may obstruct other passengers

Note: If designated space is already occupied by a wheelchair or scooter, carriage will be at the conductor’s discretion.

Even if you have a permit your scooter will not be carried if:

• There is not enough room on board the tram
• It poses a danger to other passengers
• It is not well maintained and is in poor working order
• It would obstruct other passengers
• It is overloaded with items that make it unstable

Supertram reserve the right to withdraw the permit to travel in the event of misuse of the mobility scooter, by the holder of the permit, which results in damage or injury to other passengers and/or the tram.