South Yorkshire bus franchising backed by Government £500k funding
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authrity is one of six English mayoral authorities to receive the funding in a package totalling £6m.
The government has announced £500,000 for South Yorkshire to help fund the process of franchising the region’s bus services.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authrity (SYMCA) is one of six English mayoral authorities to receive the funding in a package totalling £6m.
Mayor Oliver Coppard has taken over the Supertram service serving Sheffield and Rotherham and initiated a bus franchising process last year following a public consultation. Franchising is set to come into effect from September 2027.
South Yorkshire People’s Network was launched a month ago by Mayor Coppard with rebranded orange buses and trams on the way. Five bus depots have been taken under SYMCA control.
Transport minister Heidi Alexander visited Sheffield last month to hand over £33m funding for 186 emission-free buses.
The mayor and Barnsley Council are also co-funding a MiCard free travel pass for young people aged five to 18 in Barnsley. Sheffield City Council wants to follow suit and Mayor Coppard is looking at expanding the MiCard sceme across South Yorkshire next year.
A Department of Transport announcement today (April 13) said: “Alongside the government’s biggest reform to buses in a generation, the support will help local leaders shape services around their communities and deliver a modern, passenger‑focused network.
“Millions of bus passengers across England are benefitting from cheaper fares, new routes and better services as local authorities are putting government funding to work in their communities.
“With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to play a part in people’s everyday lives, local authorities are stepping up to make buses work better for everyone, reducing the burden on households.”
Roads and buses minister Simon Lightwood said: “Buses connect us to the things that matter most, yet for too long they have been in decline.
“Thanks to record government funding, Mayor Oliver Coppard is investing into schemes that will make buses work for everyone, including free travel for young people in Barnsley.
“I am also delighted to confirm that we are investing an additional £500,000 to continue supporting the region’s bus franchising journey, with the South Yorkshire People’s Network set to deliver more routes and more affordable fares for passengers who have been let by poor bus services for far too long.”