£500k boost to reshape South Yorkshire buses – with potential for free travel schemes
South Yorkshire to receive £500k boost to support bus franchising plans.
South Yorkshire is set to receive £500,000 in government funding to help transform its bus network, as part of a national push to give local leaders greater control over services.
The investment has been awarded to the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority as part of a £3 million package shared between six mayoral regions.
The funding will support the transition to a franchised bus system, where services are planned and managed by local authorities rather than private operators.
The aim of franchising is to create a more reliable, affordable and better-connected network by allowing local leaders to ensure services meet the needs of communities.
This could include introducing new routes, improving frequency and developing fare schemes tailored to passengers.
The funding also sits alongside a wider £3 billion Government investment through the Local Authority Bus Grant.
South Yorkshire has been allocated £52.4 million from this pot between 2026 and 2029 to improve services across the region.
In South Yorkshire, funding is already being used to support schemes such as free travel for under-18s in Barnsley for the next two years, aimed at reducing the cost of school and college journeys.
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said: “It is an incredibly exciting time for buses at the moment with record Government funding supporting new services including to rural communities, and discounted ticket offers, alongside our £3 fare cap.
“Meanwhile today marks a major milestone on our journey towards better buses.
“Our £3 million funding boost will help mayors take a step closer to franchising, allowing local leaders to take control of their buses to deliver for the thousands of people that rely on bus travel in their regions.”
Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, added: “Buses are the backbone of our public transport system.
“Local areas are investing in bus services like never before, with mayoral combined authorities leading the way in making their bus networks affordable, accessible and integrated.
“This £3 million funding boost, together with the new Bus Service Act, will unlock the future of bus reform and see local passengers and communities benefit from better bus services.”
Lydia Horbury, CEO of Bus Users UK, said: “Buses are a lifeline for millions and putting passengers at the heart of the network is the only way to ensure these services truly thrive.
“This investment is a positive step toward creating a more integrated and affordable transport system that works for the people who use it every day.
"Whether it is a young person in Barnsley accessing education for free or a resident in a rural Norfolk village finally being connected to their local community, seeing local leaders use this funding to break down barriers is incredibly welcome.“