Drive to improve city bus services set to win backing from council

According to research carried out for Sheffield Council, current passengers are not satisfied with the services provided by bus operators and other commuters are unlikely to use them.

The Sheffield Bus Agreement, which has been drawn up by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), aims to address problems but requires the co-operation of transport firms and the council.

In a report to Sheffield Council’s ruling cabinet, which is led by council leader Julie Dore, officers say the agreement should help force companies like First and Stagecoach to improve.

The report says: “Research indicates customers are seeking an acceptable bus product, namely one that is simple to understand, easy to use, affordable and delivers the right customer experience.

“The current situation is variable in its delivery and as such hinders people’s ability to use the bus to access employment and training opportunities.

“Furthermore, the bus service is not currently sufficiently punctual, reliable or stable enough for customers to use the bus by choice and for patronage to grow.”

The council’s role will be to intervene in situations where companies fail to achieve an agreed standard but will have no formal powers to act against them and relies on voluntary regulation.

According to the report to tomorrow’s meeting, the main areas of passenger dissatisfaction are bus routes and times of operation, bus quality including number of seats and cleanliness, driver standards and waiting times.

Other problems include a perceived lack of value for money, including the cost and variation in fares across Sheffield, and differing standards of service between the two main operators.