Stagecoach bus monopoly threat

The council and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority are currently negotiating with Stagecoach over voluntary improvements to the town's buses.

But if they do not get the deal they want, all operators will be given the chance to bid for an exclusive contract for the borough.

If that happens the successful firm would have sole rights to run Barnsley bus services with fares and routes determined by the council and SYPTA.

Under the fixed agreement, known as a quality contract, the bus company that wins the bid would not be able to put up fares or axe routes without permission.

Stagecoach took over Yorkshire Traction almost two years ago.

It has invested millions on new vehicles but has withdrawn a number of services across the borough, causing anger among passengers.

A number of buses for children travelling to school have also been scrapped and the latest timetable changes saw 25 routes lost and only seven added.

Council leader Coun Steve Houghton says quality contracts will be brought in if other alternatives fail.

"We are willing to talk to Stagecoach about improving the quality of services, but obviously we must have the best deal we can get," he said.

"Transport is a major issue, not just in terms of people's day-to-day travelling needs.

"We need to get good quality public services and particularly good quality bus services in the borough."

Stagecoach argues that quality contracts are actually more expensive.

Spokesman Steve Stuart says they would be a massive cost to the public purse and lead to additional bureaucracy.

Mr Stuart said: "We believe that partnership work produces better services for passengers and attracts more people to get back on board the bus.

"Quality contracts actually cost more and there is no evidence that they make the buses run better.

"We have been in discussions for some time with the borough council, looking to try to develop agreements with them which would improve bus speeds, result in more investment, new vehicles and infrastructure."