Operator calls franchising and public control of buses 'unnecessary diversion'

A South Yorkshire bus operator has welcomed a review into services, but said franchising or a publicly-owned system is a ‘unnecessary diversion’ and won’t the system ‘more attractive’.
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Phil Medlicott, Stagecoach Yorkshire managing director, spoke out following a published report into the state of buses across the county.

The report found the system was ‘not fit for purpose’ and went into detail around failings and problems from local authorities, transport bodies and private operators.

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Stagecoach, which runs services in Sheffield and Barnsley, welcomed the review and bosses said they were committed to improving services for passengers and working with Dan Jarvis, Sheffield City Region mayor.

City Region Mayor Dan JarvisCity Region Mayor Dan Jarvis
City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis

Bosses, who have spoken out against bringing buses into SCR control in the past, said a franchise or a municipal-owned company like one in Nottingham would be an ‘unnecessary diversion of resources’ and neither option would ‘change the economics of running services or make them more attractive’.

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Mr Medlicott said this ‘would put even greater strain’ on the region’s taxpayers who ‘already face paying a huge price’ for measures necessary to tackle Covid-19.

He said: “We welcome the report which contains many recommendations we put forward to improve the region’s bus network for customers and communities and are consistent with our ongoing commitment to delivering high standards for South Yorkshire’s bus users.

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“Our region's bus network has seen millions of pounds of private sector investment and improvements to deliver easier and better value travel.

“We are continuing to work on initiatives that would help deliver simpler ticketing, better-value fares, easier journeys and improved connectivity for customers.

“We would welcome the opportunity to work with stakeholders on the future design of South Yorkshire’s bus network.

“We also support the report’s call for targeted funding and other measures to address car congestion and make bus services faster and more reliable.

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“Delivering these improvements and priorities will give the bus network communities need without the unnecessary diversion of resources on franchising or municipal bus ownership.

“Our priority should be to retain the benefits of reduced car use, safer streets and the better air quality we have seen in recent months and incentivise people to switch from the car to more sustainable public transport and active travel."

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