South Yorkshire Bus Franchising Consultation – From Wednesday 23 October 2024 to Wednesday 15 January 2025 We've been asked to pass on this travel information by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA):

South Yorkshire Mayor Combined Authority (SYMCA) has launched a 12-week public consultation from Wednesday 23 October, asking people, businesses and organisations to have their say on how buses should be run in South Yorkshire.

We want to hear from your local community on our plans to reform buses in South Yorkshire because their ability to get to work, school, to important appointments, or to see family and friends, will be impacted by the outcome.  

Background information 

Bus services are the most used form of public transport in South Yorkshire and since 1986, have been deregulated in the region. This means that private bus operators are responsible for setting routes, timetables, service standards, fares and tickets. 

Bus services are mostly run commercially with private operators needing to make a profit. Some bus services in South Yorkshire are funded by the Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) such as evening and weekend services which don’t make money but are vital to the communities they serve.  

In recent years there have been significant cuts to the bus network and since 2007 the bus network in South Yorkshire has more than halved. There are currently 23 bus companies operating in the region and over 100 types of tickets available, which can be confusing for passengers.  

Proposals for a new bus system for South Yorkshire 

The MCA has powers to change the way buses are run in the region and commissioned an assessment and independent audit which looked at the different options available. The assessment concluded that a new model known as “Bus Franchising” is the best option to deliver our strategic objectives. 

We agree that we should take back control of the buses and we wish to proceed with the franchising option. This will give the MCA powers to decide bus routes, times and quality of services, tickets and fares, as well as improve connections between buses, trams and trains. 

The Government has set out a number of steps the MCA must follow before we can introduce bus franchising. The next step is to carry out a 12-week public consultation on the proposed bus franchising option to see if there is support for the proposals. 

This bus franchising consultation is open until 23:59 on Wednesday 15 January 2025, to gather feedback on our proposed bus reforms. It is open to all members of the public, businesses and organisations. You do not have to be located or live in South Yorkshire to take part. 

How to take part

We would like to hear as many views as possible about the proposals in the consultation to help shape a brighter future for public transport in South Yorkshire. Feedback from this consultation, will help to create a more reliable, efficient, and accessible bus network for everyone. 

All the information and how to take part is available at southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/bus-reform  

Further information about the consultation is also available:

• by following us on X @TravelSYorks
• via posters in our Interchanges, and posters at P & R sites
• via an email alert to all of our customers who have subscribed to our e-newsletter
• via a press release
• by calling Traveline on 0800 952 0002 (weekdays between 07:00 and 19:00 and at weekends/Bank Holidays between 08:00 and 19:00).