Buses in Sheffield could be brought back under public control, with consultation due to begin in the coming weeks.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has decided to move forward a 12 week consultation period about whether Sheffield should adopt a franchise system.
This would mean that the South Yorkshire combined authority would be in control of routes, fares, timetables and would reinvest profits into the wider bus network.
Leah Massingham, a student from the University of Sheffield, told us how she feels about the current state of buses in Sheffield.
She said: “I find often when I’m getting the bus back from work later at night they are more likely to be late or sometimes not show up at all but in the day they seem to be regular.”
Leah told us she travels by bus around two to three times a week.
She added: “There are more expensive forms of travel so it’s not bad but I think when you’re using the services more regularly, it quickly adds up.
“Perhaps introducing a student saver week ticket or something would be beneficial. Even the day tickets at the moment don’t benefit from student discount, it’s just single tickets that do. Which isn’t helpful if you’re making multiple trips.”
Public transport is essential for people to get to work, access education and to visit loved ones. But since privatisation of bus companies in the 1980s, they have been able to cut services and focus more on profits than people.
The aim of this consultation is to bring back buses under public control. This could lead to better regulated fares and an overall improved system.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Buses are a lifeline to opportunity and without a proper bus network, all too many people can’t get to work, to the Doctor, to school, or just to see friends and family.
“So today I’m really pleased that together with the leaders of South Yorkshire’s councils, we’ve agreed to move towards the next phase of the franchising process.”
Mayor Coppard will listen to all consultation responses and consider them, before making a final decision.
He said: “We’ve already carried out an assessment of the options for changing how our buses are run. That work has determined that if we want to get back to reliable, frequent and more comprehensive services, then public control through a so-called ‘franchised’ model is the best way forward.
“The leaders of South Yorkshire’s Councils and I agree, so we’re now moving towards the next phase of the franchising process.”
Local passengers, businesses and transport providers will be able to have their say on this process.
The consultation period will start on Wednesday 23 October and is due to end Wednesday 15 January 2025.
Written By Casey Peyton.
