Proposals to optimise Doncaster’s bus network went to public consultation this week, as authorities look to progress the public transport aims proposed in Sheffield City Region’s (SCR) Devolution Deal.
The utilisation of services aims to improve access to employment and training sites and trains and other bus routes, whilst ensuring that the bus offer is financially sustainable for fare payers, the taxpayer and bus operators.
Plans for the town’s optimised bus network build on the success of the Sheffield and Rotherham Bus Partnerships, which have seen up to 10% increases in adult fare paying customers.
The Doncaster Bus Partnership will bring together operators First South Yorkshire, Stagecoach Yorkshire, Stagecoach East Midlands and Arriva Yorkshire with Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council (DMBC) and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE).
Public consultation on Doncaster’s planned bus route changes is ongoing until Friday, December 18, 2015 online at travelsouthyorkshire.com/dbp. A number of consultation drop-in sessions with Doncaster Bus Partnership representatives will also take place at various locations until December 10.
Feedback will be used to inform decision making on the proposed bus service changes, which are expected to be implemented in May 2016.
Cllr Joe Blackham, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Transport at Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council and Chairman of the SCR Transport Committee, said: “We are committed to improving public transport in our region.
“The Doncaster Bus Partnership scheme allows us to boost economic growth by providing an improved bus service offer that better meets customer needs and supports access to employment, training and leisure, offering a viable alternative to the car, whilst reducing congestion and improving air quality.
“By using the established relationships between the public sector and commercial bus operators to negotiate and optimize a network that is coordinated, efficient and affordable, we will be able to demonstrate our commitment to improve public transport in our region.”
