South Yorkshire bus company offers free travel to say sorry to customers for disruption

Between 1-10 February, First South Yorkshire will give customers in Sheffield and Rotherham two week’s travel for the price of one when purchasing a weekly ticket during the offer period.

Company bosses insist services are now improving and will improve further as a result of recent changes, but hope that the offer can help them apologise to customers for their recent poor performance.

Garry Birmingham, managing director, said: “We fully recognise the frustrations our customers have faced with services not running as efficiently and reliably as they should.

“This travel offer is a way of saying sorry and giving back to customers for their perseverance through difficult times.”

First South Yorkshire say recent reorganisations to its engineering department has dramatically reduced a maintenance backlog and enabled buses to be returned to service more efficiently and quickly.

The firm has also acquired 26 newer buses which have enhanced overall performance, operating consistency and durability, minimising the need for repairs and time off the road.

First South Yorkshire has also taken the decision to delay a review of fares, originally planned for January, in recognition of the problems customers have experienced.

This will now take place in April 2020.

Garry Birmingham added: “The action we have taken to date is now showing through in improvements to services, but we fully appreciate there is more to do.

“Our customers have stood by us and we are committed to repaying their loyalty by giving them a bus service they can rely on every day of the week.”

A series of ‘Meet the Manager’ public events also got underway on Thursday and will continue through the weekend to explain ongoing plans to improve services.

Further sessions will take place at Rotherham Interchange on Friday, January 31 (12.00-3.00) and at Meadowhall in Sheffield on Saturday, February 1 (11.00-2.00).

Bus services in South Yorkshire are currently being reviewed by a Sheffield City Region commission led by MP Clive Betts, with the report due in the spring.