Deadline looms on bus franchising consultation

Franchising the bus network would mean the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) could take control of fares, routes and depots.

Almost 6,000 people have shared their thoughts on proposals about how South Yorkshire's buses should be run.

Franchising the network would mean the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) could take control of fares, routes and depots.

With just a week to go until the 12-week consultation closes, bus users have been urged to have their say before midnight on 15 January.

SYMCA Chief Executive, Martin Swales OBE, said the "excellent" response so far "demonstrates how important bus services are."

Within 24 hours of the consultation starting back in October, hundreds of people responded.

At the time, the South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard said the figures were "more than some other regions have had in total across their 12-week consultation periods".

In total, 5,922 people have now taken part in the consultation, which aims to get the views of people, businesses and organisations in South Yorkshire on proposals to bring the bus network under public control.

Currently, private companies control how buses are operated but franchising would also allow SYMCA to control fleets, timetables and service standards.

Mr Swales said SYMCA would "listen and consider all opinions" before a final decision is made.

"The response to the consultation so far has been excellent, demonstrating just how important bus services are for all of us," he said.

"This is now the last opportunity for everyone who lives, works or even just visits South Yorkshire, to have their say."

A final decision is expected to be made in the spring.

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