NEXT STOP: BETTER BUSES - SYMCA OPENS BIDDING FOR PUBLICLY-OWNED BUS FLEET

Published 12 March 2026 at 3:29pm

Passengers across South Yorkshire have said that reliable services, clear information and improved safety should be at the heart of the region’s new bus fleet.
  
Now, with thousands of people across South Yorkshire having helped shape the next generation of local buses, the search is underway for the company that will build and deliver them. 

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has formally launched the procurement process for the new buses that will be delivered when bus franchising is introduced from 2027. 

Under bus franchising, decisions about bus routes, timetables and tickets across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield will all be decided locally. The launch of the tender marks the next major step in the transformation of South Yorkshire’s bus network, with passengers’ feedback directly informing the specification issued to manufacturers. 

More than 3,500 people gave their views on safety and accessibility features they would like to see on the new buses. 

The feedback has been incorporated into the design specification and manufacturers who want to bid to build and provide the new buses are being asked to make sure they include: 

• Dedicated accessible spaces for wheelchairs and pushchairs • Low floors and step-free boarding • Audio and visual next-stop announcements • Better handrails and grab-points • CCTV coverage • Improved lighting and visibility 

  Matt Goggins, Director of Bus Franchising said:  “We’ve listened carefully to passengers and worked closely with bus drivers, accessibility groups, trade unions and industry experts to develop a specification which represents what people want from buses in South Yorkshire. 

"We’re now inviting manufacturers from across the UK and overseas to bid to build them. It’s a fair and open process and we’re focused on securing the best deal for people in South Yorkshire."  

The survey, which was open between November and December 2025, found the top priorities for improving bus journeys are services that turn up on time and clear, real-time information. People also frequently called for audio and visual next-stop announcements, more space for wheelchairs and pushchairs, better handrails, improved lighting and visible CCTV coverage 

While it will take until 2029 for the whole of the bus network to come under public control, passengers will start to see visible improvements from 2027 including new standards for bus reliability and punctuality, a single contact centre for all bus service information, simpler tickets and the roll out of a new, modern fleet. At least 30% of new buses will be fully electric, supporting cleaner air across the region, with older vehicles replaced by new ones over time. 
 
Buses in Doncaster and most of Sheffield will be first to come under public control in September 2027, followed by Barnsley and Rotherham in 2028 and the rest of Sheffield in 2029.