LAST CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON TAKING BACK CONTROL OF OUR BUSES IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE

Published 8 January 2025 at 10:27am

People across South Yorkshire and beyond have just days left to have their say on proposals to take bus services back under public control. 

There is just one week left of a 12-week consultation into how buses should be run in the region. The deadline to have your say is 11.59pm on Wednesday 15 January 2025. 

So far, 5,922 people have taken part in the consultation, which aims to get the views of people, businesses and organisations in South Yorkshire on proposals to introduce bus franchising.

Under bus franchising, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) would take control of the bus network including depots, bus fleets, routes, timetables, service standards, tickets and fares.   

You can access the full consultation document or summary of it and respond by using the long or short survey at www.southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/bus-reform.  

SYMCA Chief Executive, Martin Swales OBE, said: “The response to the consultation so far has been excellent, demonstrating just how important bus services are for all of us. 

“This is now the last opportunity for everyone who lives, works or even just visits South Yorkshire, to have their say. Your views will help shape how bus services across South Yorkshire could look in the future. 

“We will listen and consider all opinions before a final decision is made on the future of how bus services are operated.”

How to have your say on the future of buses 

If you want to get involved and give your views about the proposals in the consultation, you can read the full consultation or summary of it and respond by using the long or short questionnaire on SYMCA’s website.

All information and questionnaires are available here.

The consultation 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. 

The deadline to have your say is 11.59pm on Wednesday 15 January 2025.

Following the consultation, the results will be published, and a final decision is expected to be made on the future of South Yorkshire’s buses in Spring 2025.