SY Franchising Bus Consultation Drop-In - The Workstation

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) are consulting on taking back control of our buses through bus franchising and we are hosting a number of drop-in events for you to come and find out more information from the team working on the consultation.

Why are we consulting?

Buses are the most used mode of public transport in South Yorkshire, and SYMCA now has the power to reform bus services to make sure they work for the public.

Since 1986, bus services in the region have been deregulated. This means that private bus operators are responsible for setting routes, timetables, service standards, fares and tickets and the run services to make a profit.

Bus franchising is where a transport authority such as SYMCA takes control of how buses are run; owning the depots and the bus fleet. If, following the consultation, the Mayor decides to proceed with bus franchising buses will be taken back under public control.

This will give SYMCA powers to decide:

• what routes buses take
• what times they run
• the quality of the service
• how many ticket options are available
• what the fares will cost
• how to improve the reliability of the bus network
• how buses, trams and trains can connect with each other.

As a public body, SYMCA can reinvest any profit back into improving the system for the public.

Come along to this drop-in session to find out more about the bus consultation. You will be able to ask questions, read the consultation documents, read the franchising assessment and if you want to answer the questionnaire our team onsite will help you to do so.

The deadline for responses is 11.59pm on 15 January 2025. You can take part at southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/bus-reform

Host or Publisher South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority