THE ‘biggest ever’ investment to improve the north’s creaking public transport network has been welcomed by leaders in Barnsley - with the town set to benefit from increased rail and bus services in the coming years.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £1.5bn package in local transport across the South Yorkshire region, including the Barnsley area.

Although the lion’s share will go towards renewing Sheffield’s tram network, £350m will go towards a long-term plan for franchised buses and rail infrastructure work on both the Hallam Line and Penistone Line.

The Chronicle understands that the Sheffield to Leeds route will be electrified - allowing for improved reliability, faster and more frequent journeys - while the Penistone Line’s services will double.

Sir Steve Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council, said: “Getting the best for local people will always be my priority.

“I’m pleased that the government have listened to the issues we face in Barnsley and across the region, and is now providing substantial investment into things that matter to local people. ( “Our residents deserve a good and reliable public transport network.

“People have told us about the areas that need improving and we’re looking at how we can make improvements across the borough.

“It’s essential to improve connectivity within our communities and open up opportunities and accessibility to education, jobs, medical appointments and recreational activities.

“We’ve already made the first steps in bringing our buses back under public control in South Yorkshire. ( “I look forward to working with our partners across the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority on making local transport networks better for our residents.”

It comes after metro mayors in the county penned an open letter to the Chancellor calling on them to back the recently published Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail, led by Lord David Blunkett.

The probe found that targeted rail investment including new stations, more capacity and electrification has the potential to add £20bn to the region’s economy, could help generate an extra 83,000 jobs and contribute to the building of 210,000 new homes over ten years.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard added: “I know that big numbers like these can often feel disconnected from our daily lives.

“But, put simply, that investment will help us make our vision of a bigger, better integrated transport network under public control a reality.

“It will mean new and better buses, new electric vehicles, integrated ticketing and better information.

“Ultimately, we simply want reliable, effective rail services, so we can get to work, see friends and family or just go for a night out.

“I’ve been clear that we’ve been ignored for too long, and that South Yorkshire has not received its fair share of funding from successive governments.

“This week’s announcement by the Chancellor of a £1.5bn investment into our transport system shows the government is listening and backing South Yorkshire.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said investment in a long-criticised public transport network - which has been dogged by reduced bus services and unreliable trains - was key for the future.

“This marks a watershed moment on our journey to improving transport across the north and Midlands, opening up access to jobs, growing the economy and driving up quality of life as we deliver our ‘Plan For Change’.

“For too long, people have been locked out of the investment they deserve.

“With £15.6bn of government investment, we’re giving local leaders the means to drive cities, towns and communities forward, investing in Britain’s renewal so you and your family are better off.”