ONE YEAR TO GO UNTIL SOUTH YORKSHIRE PEOPLE’S NETWORK REACHES MAJOR MILESTONE AS BUSES COME UNDER PUBLIC CONTROL

Published 7 September 2026 at 2:02pm

The countdown is on. In just one year's time, buses in South Yorkshire will be brought back under public control as part of the South Yorkshire People's Network. 

From September 2027, decisions on fares, routes, timetables and what buses look and feel like will be made right here in South Yorkshire. 

Bringing buses back under public control will pave the way for a simpler, more affordable and more reliable network. A brand-new fleet of modern electric buses will begin to arrive on South Yorkshire's roads, helping improve air quality for everyone. From September 2027, free bus travel for under-18s will also be introduced as part of a new fares strategy designed to make public transport more accessible and affordable for young people and families. 

Passengers will benefit from refreshed bus stops and shelters across the region, creating a more welcoming environment, alongside a consistent look and feel for services operating as part of the People's Network. 

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: 

"A year from now, the South Yorkshire People's Network will reach one of its biggest milestones yet, as buses come back under public control. 

"For the first time in decades, we’ll have the power to shape routes, fares and timetables around what we need in South Yorkshire, helping create a transport network that is simpler, more affordable and more reliable.  

"Bringing buses back under public control next year won’t deliver every part of the People’s Network overnight, but it will help us accelerate the changes we all want to see.  

"We'll welcome a whole new fleet of electric buses onto our roads, and finally start improving bus stops and shelters, so people can feel prouder of their public transport. We'll make common sense changes to routes and services as soon as we can, with the longer term goal of making our network allow people to actually go where they want. Most importantly, we're starting to make fares fairer for everyone, and introduce free travel for under 18s, giving people the freedom and chose to travel however and wherever they want." 

"The People’s Network isn’t something that’s coming in the future, it’s already taking shape across our region. We've brought Supertram back into public control, we're upgrading our network, welcoming dogs on trams, investing in a brand-new tram fleet, improving rail connections and creating more opportunities for people to walk, wheel and cycle. 

"The momentum is building and one year from now people will see the People's Network becoming a reality on our streets, with our bright orange buses becoming a symbol of a transport network that works for all of us." 

While the return of buses to public control next year will be a major milestone, many elements of the People's Network are already taking shape across South Yorkshire. 

The iconic Supertram network came under public control in 2024, paving the way for significant investment in tracks, stops and infrastructure, alongside cheaper fares. New initiatives have already made the network more accessible and welcoming, including allowing dogs on trams. Plans are also progressing to procure a new £90 million fleet of modern trams, while feasibility studies are exploring opportunities to extend tram services to more communities in the future. 

The recently opened Magna Tram Train station is already improving connections between Sheffield and Rotherham, as well as key employment sites in Templeborough and Tinsley. Supporting wider regeneration across the Don Valley Corridor, the station includes a 100-space Park and Ride facility and improved accessibility, helping more people reach jobs, education and leisure opportunities by public transport. 

Alongside investment in local transport, South Yorkshire is strengthening regional and national connectivity. Investment secured through Northern Powerhouse Rail will help deliver faster, more reliable journeys between Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester and across the North, while plans continue to progress the proposed Rotherham Gateway station, creating a new tram-train interchange and reconnecting the town centre to the national rail network. 

The People's Network extends beyond public transport services alone. Walking, wheeling and cycling form a key part of the vision, helping people make seamless journeys across the region. A new e-bike subscription scheme is due to launch in spring 2027 and, alongside Sheffield City Council's planned city centre bike hire scheme, will provide people with more sustainable travel choices and help create a more connected active travel network. 

Significant work is also already under way behind the scenes to prepare for bus franchising. Bus depots across South Yorkshire are being upgraded and electrified in readiness for the arrival of new electric vehicles, supporting cleaner journeys and helping improve air quality in communities across the region. 

Looking ahead, the return of buses to public control in Doncaster and most of Sheffield in September 2027 will be followed by further phases across Barnsley and Rotherham, creating a fully integrated South Yorkshire People's Network. 

Together, investment in buses, trams, rail connectivity, active travel and cleaner vehicles will help connect more people to jobs, education and opportunity, support economic growth, tackle inequality and build a greener future for South Yorkshire.