Cheaper bus fares on way after groundbreaking deal with operators

Yesterday, the South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority (SYITA) announced that it has approved plans for a “groundbreaking” agreement with bus operators.

The so-called Sheffield Bus Agreement, which involves the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and city council as well as bus companies First, Stagecoach, TM Travel and Sheffield Community Transport, aims to “improve the bus network so that the numbers of people using it grow.”

Due to launch on Sunday, October 28, the new network will include the introduction of a new discounted multi-operator ticket which is set to see fares fall by as much as 23 per cent.

David Young, director of customer experience at the passenger transport executive, said: “This is a new start for bus services in Sheffield, one that offers the potential to grow the number of people using buses by offering an improved network.

“We have listened to people and have altered our plans to make sure that when this goes live at the end of October, pending approval from Sheffield Council, that it will best serve the needs of the travelling public.

“This is the Sheffield people’s bus network, designed in consultation with them, for them.

“We hope it will persuade more people to make the switch from cars to buses.”

The new partnership will also involve “smart tickets” which can be bought without paying the driver; fewer changes to routes and timetables; low-floor “green” buses and cheaper fares for cross-service tickets, including Supertram.

Coun Leigh Bramall, Sheffield Council’s cabinet member for business, skills and development and also vice-chairman of SYITA, said: “The partnership is the best deal for Sheffield.

“It will see better buses offering a better, more reliable and affordable service, with a unified approach to customer information and a modern approach to ticketing.

“In addition, the government has made it clear that it will support the Bus Partnership Agreement financially.

“It has recognised the bus partnership agreement as innovative and groundbreaking and is willing to provide a further £8m over five years to support the agreement.”

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