BARNSLEY’S fleet of buses will be modernised as soon as the autumn of 2028 as part of landmark plans to bring services back into public ownership, documents have revealed.
Members of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) met on Tuesday to discuss the next steps of franchising, which will see the county’s current 750-strong fleet especially diesel-engined buses which are older than 15 years receive an overhaul.
The Chronicle understands there will be a preference to move to EVs, although bosses admit that new diesel-powered buses could be procured if depots do not have sufficient chargers in place.
The first to receive the move as well as new branding will be Sheffield’s Olive Grove and Doncaster’s Leger Way depots in September 2027, which collectively account for 45 per cent of South Yorkshire’s entire fleet.
A current depot on Wakefield Road, Barnsley, will be used as a base for the town’s services as part of tranche two of the roll-out, which account for 30 per cent of the county’s buses.
The third and final tranche will take in Holbrook, Ecclesfield and Halfway all based in Sheffield to complete the remaining 25 per cent.
A report, compiled by project manager Michael Harrison, said: “The specification for new vehicles in the SYMCA franchise fleet must comply with current and forthcoming legislation to meet GB standards, which remain broadly aligned with EU standards due to market dynamics.
“While the SYMCA fleet team has developed a strong baseline specification for future bus purchases, the broader franchise
strategy and its impact for the mayor lies in areas such as vehicle branding, interior design and technology choices that enhance passenger experience, operational safety, and environmental performance.
“These considerations align with common practices across public transport organisations, aimed at improving accessibility and increasing patronage.
“SYMCA have also committed to reducing the fleet age in comparison to pre-franchising with the aim to remove all diesel buses older than 15 years from the fleet.
“Three pillars which have been central to our work in developing the fleet specification are enhancing passenger safety across all journey stages, ensuring accessibility for all users, regardless of mobility or sensory needs, and improving the public’s and drivers’ experiences, from vehicle appearance to onboard information.
“Bus services in South Yorkshire have faced significant challenges, with fewer routes and services people can’t always rely on.
“Bus franchising gives us the tools to change that.
“Big change takes time and franchising will be introduced in phases between 2027 and 2029.”
Described as the biggest shake-up of the local bus network since the 1980s, South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard oversaw a public consultation phase last year which saw 87 per cent pledge their support to SYMCA’s franchising proposal.
Following approval at the start of the winter, it paved the way for SYMCA to take control of the bus network including depots, bus fleets, routes, timetables, service standards, tickets and fare-setting.
Mr Coppard said: “We’ve made history, turning back the tide on the failed experiment of the privatisation of our bus network that was started in the 1980s.
“When I was elected in 2022, I promised to take back control of our buses and ’m proud to say that is a promise being kept.
“Starting next year we will begin to take back control of routes, fares and timetables across South Yorkshire, so we decide where buses run, when and where.
“Buses are essential for our communities they connect people to services, to jobs, training and opportunity and to friends and family.
“The destination is a fully integrated transport system across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield, one that works in the interests of our communities and our economy, putting people back in control of essential services.”
