Sheffield: Free electric bus service to run in city centre

The Sheffield Connect zero emission shuttle service will launch in early April in the city centre

People will soon be able to travel around Sheffield city centre for free on a new electric bus service.

The Sheffield Connect shuttle network will see four vehicles serve the city from 8 April and operate seven days a week.

The service, which is set to run every seven to eight minutes, aims to reduce carbon emissions in the city.

Councillor Ben Miskell, from the city council, called it "an important and exciting moment" for Sheffield.

"Not only are we introducing the city's first zero emissions buses, but a service that is completely free for people to use," said Mr Miskell, who is chair of the council's transport, regeneration and climate policy committee.

"Sheffield Connect will make getting around the city centre so easy, making it more accessible for everyone and providing residents and visitors with a quick, easy and zero emission way to travel."

The service will run two circular routes covering the city centre.

Oliver Coppard, the region's mayor, said he was "delighted to see the very first fully electric buses arrive in South Yorkshire".

"They are just the first of many that will start operating in the region over the next few weeks, with the support of the Mayoral Combined Authority," he said.

"Electric vehicles are critical to decarbonising our bus fleet, achieving our net zero ambitions and improving air quality for South Yorkshire's residents."