New move to improve bus network for commuters

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) is applying to the “Better Bus Area Fund” for the money.

If successful, the bid would attract £4.91m from the Department for Transport as well as another £7.3m in local contributions.

Part of the funding would go towards “multi-operator” bus tickets to help 2,250 young people get to work.

The scheme, in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, would provide a public transport “smartcard” allowing free travel for up to three months.

Meanwhile, the money would also pay for highway improvements along Ecclesall Road, in Sheffield, to speed up bus journeys by relieving bottlenecks at Moore Street roundabout, Hunters Bar and Bents Green.

“Smart management technology” would be used to control traffic signals and give priority to buses.

There would also be raised kerbs at 30 stops along the route, including 10 new shelters with real-time bus information displays

Further improvements would also be made along the Sheffield to Halfway bus route. This would see bus lanes put in at Granville Road, Mansfield Road and City Roade to reduce delays.

Meanwhile, work would also be carried out on other busy bus routes including in Barnsley town centre and on commuter routes in Sheffield.

Ben Still, SYPTE’s director of strategy, said: “The Better Bus Area Fund will help to get public transport moving more efficiently on key corridors which support employment.

“That will help employees, employers and improve air quality for everyone.

“It will also allow us to directly help young people with their transport costs to make sure those costs aren’t a barrier to them getting into work or training.”