Public Transport

Most of you will rely on public transport to travel. The City of Sheffield and surrounding district is well served by an extensive network of bus services and the Supertram. All other purpose-built accommodation is either on a main bus route or within walking/cycling distance, as are most University-owned and privately-owned 'approved' houses.

Bus

Timetables are available from

• The main Bus Station, which is situated in Pond Street opposite the British Rail Station
• Arundel Gate bus station
• The Source in the Union of Students
• The web

Operations

1. Buses stop at fixed points. Bus stops normally indicate which buses (identified by numbers) stop there. (As elsewhere in the UK, you signal for the bus to stop by holding out your hand.)
2. Pay driver as you enter the bus; drivers can refuse passengers who offer notes, so always have some change/coins available. Return, or weekly tickets can save money.
3. Collect your ticket from the machine.
4. A reasonable distance before your stop, ring the bell to indicate that you wish to
   get off.
5. Bus stops have names on them BUT most people in Sheffield will refer to the bus stop by what building, pub or road is nearby. There is no map with bus stop names on.

Tram

• Sheffield has a tram system which passes the University. Tickets (£2.70 to Meadowhall or £3.90 for a return Dayrider ticket) can be bought on the tram.
• Trams stop at tram stops if passengers are waiting there. To get off the tram, ring the bell some distance before your stop (indicated on the electronic notice board on the tram.
  

Taxis

1. Taxis are generally used only for the odd occasion late at night or when you need to transport a lot of luggage.
2. There are taxi ranks at:

• The Rail Station (until midnight only)
• On Barkers Pool in the City Centre
• Ecclesall Road (between Hunter's Bar and the City)
• At night, at the entrance to the Union of Students Bar One or on Western Bank in front of the Octagon Centre.

1. A taxi from the Rail Station to the University will cost around £6.00. Taxis are generally more expensive after 10.00pm or if you are travelling outside the city boundaries.
2. You can sometimes wait an hour or more for taxis at busy times (especially late at night). A wait of 10–15 minutes is more common. Other taxis – ‘mini cabs’ – break the law if they pick up passengers not made by a telephone booking.
3. Traditional taxi cabs (usually black but sometimes other colours) have meters and are allowed to stop and pick up passengers in the street. If a taxi cab is showing its orange illuminated ‘For Hire’ sign, you may hail it by holding out your arm or waving.
4. Do not accept lifts from cars whose drivers say they are taxis or mini cab drivers unless you have telephoned for a taxi to come. You should check that the taxi comes from the company you called. Most companies have a sign on the car to indicate this.
5. All licensed taxis have a small licence number plate (black figures on a white background) on the back of the car. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not a taxi is genuine, ask to see the driver’s identification (which should include a photograph) or ask him to radio the taxi office so that you can hear his controller.
6. Do not walk home alone very late at night. If you are in the Western Bank area, call for a taxi from the Union of Students. If the Union is closed, go to the Porters Lodge at Firth Court, Western Bank (staffed 24 hours a day). The porters will call a taxi for you and allow you to wait for the taxi. Also, please see ‘Women’s Night Safety Bus Service’ in Academic Diary and Student Handbook 2012–13 (taught students).