New fleet of South Yorkshire People's Network buses will be first sign of big changes to services
A fleet of new South Yorkshire People’s Network buses will be the first sign of big changes in services as they come under public control.
Sheffield and Doncaster will see the first rollout of franchised services in September 2027, with the rest of the network following by 2029.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority overview and scrutiny committee got an update on Tuesday, July 7, on bus franchising plans.
Councillor Karl Hughes asked what improvements Doncaster passengers could expect from day one.
Director of bus franchising Matt Goggins replied: “The most obvious will be fleet renewal, as part of a first phase plan to renew a significant portion of the existing fleet.”
He said that buses are on average 11 years old.
Accessible
“The new buses will be more accessible, cheaper to run with zero emissions and carry the new branding of the People’s Network,” he said.
He added that fares will be a lot more straightforward but changes to timetables will start to come later.
Coun Hughes said that people in Doncaster say buses for rural areas and for shift workers should be among the priorities.
Mr Goggins said other key issues are the punctuality and reliability of services.
Initial changes will be made to move towards “demand responsive” services, said Mr Goggins.
“The aim is it will stop the ongoing decline we’ve seen in passengers in South Yorkshire. We want to stop the decline and start to grow the number of people using public transport.”
Excited
Coun Ben Miskell said: “Some areas of South Yorkshire are profitable to operate in. Sheffield is much more profitable than other parts of the region.
“One of the things I’m really excited about is Sheffield continuing to do really well and cost subsidies to other services in other parts of the region as well.”
Coun Brian Steele said: “We need to get people back on to buses, using them and getting cars off the roads as well.”
Coun Jane Kidd said it is a massive step forward for inclusion for people with disabilities. She already loves that, as she cannot see where she is on a journey, the bus speaks to her and tells her.