South Yorkshire is one year away from the first phase of bringing its bus network under public control, with services in Doncaster and most of Sheffield due to move to a franchising model in September 2027.
The change will give the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority greater control over bus fares, routes and timetables through the South Yorkshire People’s Network.
Further phases are planned for Barnsley and Rotherham, with the aim of eventually establishing a region-wide network operating under public control.
South Yorkshire 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.
The authority also plans to introduce free bus travel for under-18s from September 2027 as part of a revised fares strategy. New electric buses are expected to enter service, while bus stops and shelters are due to be upgraded.
Work to prepare for franchising is already under way. Bus depots across South Yorkshire are being upgraded and electrified ahead of the introduction of new electric vehicles.
The bus franchising programme forms part of a wider transport strategy covering buses, trams, rail and active travel.
South Yorkshire’s Supertram network was also brought under public control in 2024. Since then, investment has included work on tracks, stops and other infrastructure, while initiatives such as allowing dogs on trams have been introduced. Plans are also progressing for a new 90 million GBP tram fleet.
