PLANS for publicly-run bus services in Barnsley have taken an important step forward after the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority purchased a local bus depot from Stagecoach.

The depot on Wakefield Road has been purchased by SYMCA.

It was purchased along with the depots in Ecclesfield, Sheffield, Rawmarsh and Doncaster.

This brings every major depot in the region into public ownership well ahead of when the first franchised buses hit the road in September 2027.

Under the agreement, Stagecoach will lease the depot back from SYMCA.

All depots will receive upgraded power infrastructure and new dynamic charging equipment to support zero emission vehicles.

Staff welfare areas will also be refurbished.

This is part of the wider bus franchising programme of £350m that includes depot acquisition, electrification, upgrades and purchase of new fleet.

Under the new franchised system, SYMCA will set routes, timetables, fares and service standards, with revenue reinvested directly back into improving bus services for local people.

The transition will begin in 2027 with Doncaster and most of Sheffield, followed by Barnsley and Rotherham in 2028, with the remaining areas of Sheffield completing the move to public control in 2029.

Services will be delivered by operators appointed through a competitive procurement process beginning later this spring.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “This is a significant moment for South Yorkshire.

“Bringing every depot into public ownership well in advance of bus franchising means we’re putting real foundations in place for a network that is reliable, affordable and works for all of us.

“It’s exactly what taking back control of our public transport looks like.

“As we roll out the South Yorkshire People’s Network, we’re creating one clearer, simpler and more connected transport system, and these depots will be right at the heart of making that happen.”