Buses across South Yorkshire are an essential lifeline for many – but, over the last decade, the number of people using them has fallen by 18 per cent.
When Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, launched his Transport Vision in December he said he would undertake a review of the region’s bus network, and look at all options for improving services.
And today (Monday 25 February) Mayor Jarvis has announced that the Bus Review will get underway, with Clive Betts MP as its Chair.
Mayor Jarvis said: “One of the main issues residents contact me about is bus services across our region. We need to understand the reasons for declining passenger numbers and take action where improvements are needed.
“More than a quarter of households in South Yorkshire don’t have access to a car, and many people want to reduce the number of journeys by – not least to travel in a greener, more active and more sustainable way. Buses therefore provide vital access to jobs, education, public services and social activities. It’s crucial that services are fit for purpose.
“That’s why, today, I have announced that Clive Betts MP will chair our Bus Review and examine all aspects of South Yorkshire’s bus services. He will then provide me with recommendations and identify improvements. This should mean more environmentally friendly buses, more routes and more passengers.”
Clive Betts MP and Chair of the independent Bus Review, said: “I’m delighted that the Mayor, Dan Jarvis has asked me to Chair the independent Bus Review.
“I’m looking forward to working with others to gather evidence from a variety of stakeholders, interest groups and members of the public and providing recommendations to the Mayor on how he could take steps to improve the public transport system and ensure its fit for the 21st century.”
The review will examine all aspects of the Sheffield City Region bus transport system and services, with the aim of identifying and recommending improvements that will benefit users as well as supporting the broader sustainability of the bus transport sector.
