THE monopoly of Barnsley buses will be put up for grabs if Stagecoach does not give the public a better service, says council leader Steve Houghton.
The council and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority are negotiating with Stagecoach over voluntary improvements to the town’s buses.
But if they do not get the deal they want all bus operators will be given the chance to bid for an exclusive contract for the borough, Coun Houghton told the Chronicle.
The succesful firm would have the sole rights to run Barnsley services, with fares and routes determined by the council and SYPTA.
Under the fixed agreement, known as a quality contract, the bus company would not be able to put up fares or axe buses without permission.
Stagecoach took over from Yorkshire Traction almost two years ago. • Full story in this week's Chronicle.
