Almost 1,000 people object after changes to Sheffield bus service and tram link

Passengers say they will be left stranded and isolated after changes to the number 57 bus route and the cancellation of the tram link bus service SL1/1a which runs from Middlewood to Stocksbridge.

Rebecca Burnham-Wake only started the petition three days ago and it has already attracted more than 900 signatures.

She said: "The community is currently in limbo and facing almost complete isolation from neighbouring communities, the city centre and access to friends and family.

“During lockdown, Stagecoach has removed and amended a reliable and favoured tram link and altered and significantly reduced the route of a second bus service.

“They have also removed a vital single ticket option. These were temporary changes now made permanent.

“With these changes, many members of the community will become further isolated and risk illness and financial difficulty if forced to walk or source alternative travel means, in addition to hugely increased commutes for city workers.

“For many, including the vulnerable and elderly, access to local amenities by foot is simply not possible due to the geography of the area.

“As a community previously serviced by up to six buses per hour, most via the tram link, to both Hillsborough, Middlewood and the city centre, this reduction to only two buses per hour, only servicing Hillsborough, is unacceptable."

MIriam Cates, Penistone & Stocksbridge MP, who only earlier this month had campaigned successfully for the SL1 to be restored, said she was ‘very disappointed’.

She said: “The fact these changes have been pushed through with no public consultation and no thought for the needs of local residents is unacceptable.

“I have written to Stagecoach and the Sheffield City Region to ask them to reconsider their decision.”

Stagecoach Yorkshire said passengers in Stocksbridge would be able to use an ‘enhanced’ number 57 service, providing two buses an hour to Hillsborough, where tram and other bus links are available.

It said the changes would ensure services cater for the needs of as many passengers as possible.