Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard has unveiled the South Yorkshire People’s Network, a new brand and long-term vision for the region’s public transport network as it prepares to bring buses under public control from next year.
The branding launch marks what the Mayor describes as a “once-in-a-generation” transformation of transport in the region, tied to wider plans for an integrated network covering buses, trams, rail, cycling, and walking.
The initiative forms part of a wider £1.5 billion programme of investment in South Yorkshire’s transport system, including £630 million for the renewal and enhancement of the tram network and £350 million to reform the region’s buses ahead of franchising.
Under the plans, South Yorkshire’s tram network has already returned to public control. Bus franchising will begin in Doncaster and Sheffield in September 2027 before expanding across all four boroughs by 2029. Last week, the combined authority opened a bidding process for manufacturers to build a new bus fleet based on community feedback.
The People’s Network brand will gradually replace the Travel South Yorkshire identity, appearing on bus stops, shelters, interchanges and transport information systems from later this year. From 2027 it will feature on franchised buses, drivers’ uniforms and across the tram network. The brand features an orange, grey and black livery.
As part of its near-term vision, simplified tickets will be introduced on franchised bus services with new integrated bus and tram tickets. The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) says passengers will be able to use tickets on both franchised and non-franchised services during the transition period. Refurbishment of stops and shelters will begin this year, while free travel will be rolled out for under-18s between Barnsley and Sheffield, ahead of full under-18s free travel across the whole of South Yorkshire by 2027.
SYMCA says it will also look to make improvements in running times and hospital links from day one of bus franchising.
Comments Mr Coppard: “Transport isn’t just about getting from A to B. A proper public transport network gives people real freedom and choice about how they travel and move, connects people to opportunity and opens up new horizons. But public transport in South Yorkshire has been broken for too long. I promised to make change happen, to give South Yorkshire back the world class public transport system we once had, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
“That’s why we’re putting in a huge investment to fix our public transport system, backed by even greater ambition, so that we can build something that truly works for all of us across South Yorkshire; a real People’s Network.”
Lord David Blunkett, former Home Secretary and MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough, adds: “I’m pleased the aims set out in my Yorkshire Plan for Rail are now reflected in the wider vision for public transport in South Yorkshire, creating services that are reliable, accessible and with the aim of making them affordable.
“We have a real opportunity to transform the way people travel, improving connections to support economic growth and open up opportunities for individuals and businesses alike. A transport network that works for everyone is essential to the future of South Yorkshire, as it was in the past, and the vision is a vital step towards achieving this.”
SYMCA’s longer-term ambitions are largely rail-focused, and include an expansion of the tram network, new railway stations at Rotherham Gateway and Waverley, upgrades to Sheffield and Doncaster stations, and improved connectivity through Northern Powerhouse Rail.
