First publicly controlled bus services are set to hit the roads in Doncaster and most of Sheffield from 5 September 2027, Mayor Oliver Coppard announced.

The move marks a major step in the region’s plan to bring buses back under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years, following the support from residents during one of the country’s biggest transport consultations earlier this year.

More than 7,800 people participated, with nearly 90% calling for change.

Under the new franchised model, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) will determine routes, fares, timetables, and service standards, and profits will be reinvested in improving the network rather than being distributed to private operators.

Mayor Coppard said, “When our first franchised buses start to roll out in 2027, it won’t just be a new service, it’ll be the start of a new era.”

“One where we decide, together, what public transport should look like.”

As part of the franchising process, buses in Doncaster and most of Sheffield will be the first to come under public control in September 2027, followed by Barnsley and Rotherham by the end of 2028, and the rest of Sheffield by 2029.

A public survey is launched today, running until 15 December, inviting people across South Yorkshire to help shape how the news buses should look and feel.

Mayor Coppard added: “Whether you’re a regular bus user or not, we need your thoughts about what we have now, and what our new network should look and feel like in future.”

Alongside the survey, a series of drop-in events will also be held across the region later this month, where people can share their views and preview the new buses.

Drop-in event details: 

Thursday 13 November 
3:00pm – 6:00pm: Barnsley Interchange  

Friday 14 November  
3:00pm – 6:00pm: Arundel Gate Interchange, Sheffield 

Tuesday 18 November 
3:00pm – 6:00pm: Doncaster Interchange 

Wednesday 19 November 
3:00pm – 6:00pm: Rotherham Interchange 

Bus event details: 

Saturday 22 November  
11:00am – 2:00pm: Interchange stand C3, Rotherham 
3:00pm – 6:00pm: Interchange stand 11, Barnsley 

Sunday 23 November  
10:00am – 1:00pm: Interchange stand A6, Doncaster 
2:00pm – 5:00pm: Tudor Square, Sheffield