South Yorks going ‘back to the future’ with franchising decision

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, signals the region is going ‘back to the future’ with bus franchising.

The announcement follows a consultation on franchising, which resulted in 87% of the 7,800 respondents saying they either strongly supported or supported in part the introduction of bus franchising.

Under bus franchising, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) will take control of the bus network including depots, bus fleets, routes, timetables, service standards, tickets and fares. The franchising is planned to start to in the county from September 2027.

“Starting in 2027, we will begin to take back control of routes, fares and timetables across South Yorkshire, so we decide where buses run, when, and where” – South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Today, we’ve made history; turning back the tide on the failed experiment of the privatisation of our bus network that was started in the 1980s, putting the public back into public transport. When I was elected as South Yorkshire’s Mayor in 2022, I promised to take back control of our buses. Today I’m proud to say that is a promise being kept.

“Starting in 2027, we will begin to take back control of routes, fares and timetables across South Yorkshire, so we decide where buses run, when, and where.

“Buses are essential for our communities. They connect people to services, to jobs, training and opportunity, and to friends and family. But over the last forty years we’ve seen public transport taken apart; fares go up, routes and passenger numbers go down, and our city centres, our high streets and our economy flatline.

“I want us to build a bigger and better economy in South Yorkshire and we need a public transport system that allows people to get to where they want to go, when they want to go there.

“After nearly 30 years we took the tram back into public control last year. Today is another huge step on that journey. The destination is a fully integrated transport system across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield, one that works in the interests of our communities and our economy, putting people back in control of essential services.”

“I am absolutely delighted that local leaders across South Yorkshire have voted with both hands today to take back control of their buses” – Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood

Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: “I am absolutely delighted that local leaders across South Yorkshire have voted with both hands today to take back control of their buses and give local people the services they deserve, meaning that residents from Bawtry to Barnsley will be able to visit their friends and family, reach exciting job opportunities and access the public services they need.

“Through our incoming Bus Services Bill, we are determined to unlock this opportunity for communities up and down the country that have been cut off from reliable local transport for far too long, and drive up living standards, as outlined in our Plan for Change.

“Alongside the Bill, we’re investing over £1 billion to make services more reliable, frequent and affordable – including over £17 million right here in South Yorkshire that could be used to boost infrastructure, enhance service frequency or improve reliability.”

An announcement on new integrated public transport branding which will cover buses, trams and other public transport assets owned by SYMCA is expected in the coming months.