A new bus service connecting 12 stops in and around Sheffield City Centre has launched this week, providing residents and visitors the opportunity to hop onto the bus from the train, tram or other bus services.
The buses will be available seven days a week to cover the main shopping times and when footfall is highest, with a regular service throughout the day.
Councillor Terry Fox, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “This service will be a huge asset to the city. I know it’s something our city centre businesses and the public have been waiting for and I’m really pleased to say it’s here. With the cost of living crisis and well-publicised issues with public transport, we’re taking action into our own hands, putting Sheffield first to provide much-needed transport for those who really need it.
“Access in and around the city will be much easier. We’ve ensured the bus is fully accessible with priority disabled seating at the front and the service has been designed with air quality and Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in mind. It will provide a safe route for travellers while the improvement works are going on in our city centre. It will help support active travel into the city and make a real difference to those who work, live in, and visit Sheffield.”
To make sure the service started running as soon as possible, a Diesel Euro VI bus is being used first, followed by an electric bus once the funding is confirmed. The Diesel vehicle is compliant with the Clean Air Zone.
Following consultation, the £200k spend for this, agreed in May 2022, will come from the Council’s Share of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s “Mayor’s Sustainable Transport Fund”.
The route and timetable could adapt over time as Sheffield City Council monitors passenger numbers to determine how the service is working for everyone. Expansion to other destinations will be considered in line with city centre developments and feedback from businesses and the community.
The planned route has 12 stops and will be free to people with a valid travel pass, or £1 without a pass.
