“Under franchising, local leaders set the routes, fares, and timetables, and can design a network around passengers”

A Sheffield bus service will be restored in what councillors are claiming is a victory for public control.

The 52 will run beyond Crookes to Hillsborough, Wisewood and Loxley during the day from September next year, councillors say.

Stagecoach’s 52 service to Crookes will be extended to Hillsborough next year, councillors say. | SCC

placeholder image — Stagecoach’s 52 service to Crookes will be extended to Hillsborough next year, councillors say. | SCC

In August 2025, Stagecoach terminated the 52 in Crookes. It left only First’s 52a operating between Crookes and Hillsborough during the day, Coun Ruth Milsom said.

Now, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has confirmed the original service will run again.

Would you like to read more articles like this? Sign up to The Star’s daily newsletter today and receive the latest news sent direct to your inbox

SYMCA is taking control of buses in September 2027 in a process called franchising.

Coun Milsom said restoring the full 52 route would double the daytime frequency and was “an early win for democratic public control.”

Coun Minesh Parekh, Sheffield Labour’s transport spokesperson, added: “Under franchising, local leaders set the routes, fares, and timetables, and can design a network around passengers and communities rather than short-term profit.”