South Yorkshire buses set to return to public control next year
“For the first time in decades, we’ll have the power to shape routes, fares and timetables around what we need in South Yorkshire”
Buses in Sheffield are set to return to public control in a major change to how local services are run, just one year from now.
The South Yorkshire People’s Network is due to begin from September 2027, with decisions over routes, fares and timetables being made by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority rather than individual bus operators.
The change is expected to affect most of Sheffield and Doncaster initially, before being rolled out across Barnsley and Rotherham in later phases.
Under the new system, authorities will have greater control over how bus services operate, with the aim of creating a more joined-up network.
Free bus travel for under-18s is also planned from September 2027 as part of a new fares strategy.
A new fleet of electric buses is expected to begin arriving on South Yorkshire’s roads, while work is also planned to improve bus stops and shelters.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said the changes would allow routes, fares and timetables to be shaped around the needs of the region.
He said: "A year from now, the South Yorkshire People's Network will reach one of its biggest milestones yet, as buses come back under public control.
"For the first time in decades, we’ll have the power to shape routes, fares and timetables around what we need in South Yorkshire, helping create a transport network that is simpler, more affordable and more reliable.
"Bringing buses back under public control next year won’t deliver every part of the People’s Network overnight, but it will help us accelerate the changes we all want to see.
"We'll welcome a whole new fleet of electric buses onto our roads, and finally start improving bus stops and shelters, so people can feel prouder of their public transport.
“We'll make common sense changes to routes and services as soon as we can, with the longer term goal of making our network allow people to actually go where they want.
“Most importantly, we're starting to make fares fairer for everyone, and introduce free travel for under 18s, giving people the freedom and choice to travel however and wherever they want.”
The move follows the introduction of public control of the Supertram network in 2024.
Since then, investment has been made in tram tracks, stops and infrastructure, and plans are also progressing for a new £90 million Supertram fleet, with studies looking at the possibility of extending tram services to other communities.
The new Magna Tram Train station has also opened between Sheffield and Rotherham, providing a connection to the wider network and a 100-space park and ride facility.
Meanwhile, work is continuing on plans for the proposed Rotherham Gateway station, which would provide a new tram-train interchange and reconnect Rotherham town centre to the national rail network.
Further investment is planned in rail connections across the region, including through Northern Powerhouse Rail, which aims to improve journeys between Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester and other parts of the North.
The People’s Network plans also include walking, wheeling and cycling, with a new e-bike subscription scheme expected to launch in spring 2027.
Behind the scenes, bus depots across South Yorkshire are being upgraded and electrified ahead of the arrival of new electric vehicles.
The changes will eventually bring buses, trams, rail and active travel under a more integrated regional transport network.