South Yorkshire bus franchising gets go ahead

[ALEMASTER]

The South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has announced that the Mayoral Combined Authority are going ahead with bus franchising.

This will be a similar model to Manchester, where SYMCA will own the buses and depots and award contracts to operate batches of services from each depot.

There will also be some smaller contracts, for example school services and rural minibuses, that are let on their own, giving small operators with their own resource some opportunity.

SYMCA will set the fares, timetables and routes and take the revenue with the operators paid to provide services on SYMCA's behalf.

The brand is yet to be announced but it is assumed will cover both bus and tram.

Announcement: https://www.southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/news/article/090902fb-7a8b-4ebc-8f73-454bd63955b5

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has taken a once in a generation decision to bring buses back under public control in South Yorkshire in the biggest shake up of the bus network since the 1980s...

BBC news report: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy0d1e1gyp2o

...It means South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) will set routes, timetables and fares across the region with bus services brought under one brand...

Route One Magazine article: https://www.route-one.net/bus/south-yorkshire-confirms-move-to-bus-franchising/

...Mayor Oliver Coppard announced the decision today (18 March) after receiving majority public backing. More than 7,800 people responded to the 12-week consultation, with 87% “either strongly supporting or partially supporting” plans to bring buses back under public control.

Under the plans, SYMCA will assume control of depots, fleets, service standards, fares and ticketing across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield...

 

[Teapot42]

Good to see there is some clarity in the documentation accompanying the announcement. It seems that DCC (unsurprisingly) share my concerns over cross-border services and are pushing for better collaboration than they had with TfGM - which is very positive. It's an interesting statistic that Manchester franchising increased their subsidy burden by 338% for affected services.

It's notable that there doesn't appear to have been any representation from Hulleys - all other local operators and some not currently in the area made submissions...

Glad to see the cross-border services are not going to be franchised, rather they will operate under a permits system.

Frustratingly, the issue of fares on these cross-borders services has not been addressed. I did raise it, but it's not actually mentioned in the report at all from what I can see after a quick skim.

 

[ALEMASTER]

Cross border services is a bit of a can of worms.

• First bus 272 (Sheffield-Castleton) and 120k/80 (Fulwood to Killamarsh to Chesterfield) operate out of a Sheffield depot that will be franchised.
• TM Travel bus 218 operates out of a depot in Sheffield but it is not yet clear whether the Mayor will be seizing their depot for franchised services
• Stagecoach buses 42, 43, 44, 50, 50a, 65 and X17 operate out of Chesterfield depot that is in Derbyshire
• Stagecoach bus 53/53a operates out of Mansfield depot that is in Nottinghamshire.
• Hulleys bus 257 and 271 operates out of Baslow depot that is in Derbyshire.

The consultation document seemed to suggest that SYMCA wanted to take over almost all those routes as part of franchising!

Those examples are Sheffield buses, there will be similar examples elsewhere in South Yorkshire such as Rotherham-Worksop, Doncaster-Retford, Barnsley-Pontefract/Wakefield etc.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Hulleys bus 257 and 271 operates out of Baslow depot that is in Derbyshire.

Not sure I'd worry about that one - if you read the dedicated Hulleys thread it sounds like they may not be long for this world.

 

[mangad]

Good to see there is some clarity in the documentation accompanying the announcement. It seems that DCC (unsurprisingly) share my concerns over cross-border services and are pushing for better collaboration than they had with TfGM - which is very positive. It's an interesting statistic that Manchester franchising increased their subsidy burden by 338% for affected services.

The increase in costs Derbyshire faced are presumably (at least in part) related to Stagecoach threatening to withdraw cross boundary services prior to franchising being introduced (mainly the 237 and 358 that both ended up moving from commercial to subsidised services.). That happened in 2022, and I'd be cautious of using that as rule of what definitely will happen.

The question I have is how much DCC's tender costs are now for cross boundary services. All but one of the previous cross boundary services are now Bee Network, and the timetables don't list DCC as a funder. They remain listed as a funder on the 394 bus which is not franchised, and whilst being a co-funded service, the tendering of that service is led by Derbyshire

I get that Derbyshire Council are likely to be trying to protect themselves and their bus network, but again I wonder if they can draw too many parallels with Manchester. The main routes around Glossop, Hadfield and Hayfield, have been under Greater Manchester's sphere of influence and control for decades. Greater Manchester Transport/GM Buses even had a depot in Glossop (inherited from North Western.)

 

[Teapot42]

The increase in costs Derbyshire faced are presumably (at least in part) related to Stagecoach threatening to withdraw cross boundary services prior to franchising being introduced (mainly the 237 and 358 that both ended up moving from commercial to subsidised services.). That happened in 2022, and I'd be cautious of using that as rule of what definitely will happen.

Pages 27 and 28 here show the DCC comments and the responses. It's not clear exactly what impact there is on costs longer term.

The question I have is how much DCC's tender costs are now for cross boundary services. All but one of the previous cross boundary services are now Bee Network, and the timetables don't list DCC as a funder. They remain listed as a funder on the 394 bus which is not franchised, and whilst being a co-funded service, the tendering of that service is led by Derbyshire

Maybe DCC are still funding them but as they are franchised how the funding sources are shown differs?

The main routes around Glossop, Hadfield and Hayfield, have been under Greater Manchester's sphere of influence and control for decades.

There is actually a possible precedent here in that in terms of fare validity, the TfGM area extends in to Derbyshire for such services. I wonder if SYMCA will consider a similar arrangement for northern Derbyshire?

 

[mangad]

Maybe DCC are still funding them but as they are franchised how the funding sources are shown differs?

I did find the council have a supported bus services list, and none of the Bee Network services are mentioned. If they support them in some form, I'd have expected them to appear in some form on that list, but that's just my expectation.

There is actually a possible precedent here in that in terms of fare validity, the TfGM area extends in to Derbyshire for such services. I wonder if SYMCA will consider a similar arrangement for northern Derbyshire?

I guess again that's more historical for Greater Manchester. There was a thought that towns like Glossop would be part of Greater Manchester when it was created, but it didn't happen.

 

[Teapot42]

Cross border services is a bit of a can of worms.
...
The consultation document seemed to suggest that SYMCA wanted to take over almost all those routes as part of franchising!

Appendix F seems to show that most cross-border services will be operated under permits.

Would it be possible to arrange the franchising in such a way that whoever gets the contract to operate a certain depot still has the ability to operate services outside the franchising system under the permits scheme?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Mar 2025 ==

I guess again that's more historical for Greater Manchester. There was a thought that towns like Glossop would be part of Greater Manchester when it was created, but it didn't happen.

Chesterfield voted to join SYMCA when it was originally being formed - although DCC stymied that despite the fact there are strong justifications for us being involved due to the social and economic links.

Similarly, the Hope Valley is in Derbyshire but links are predominantly towards Sheffield.

 

[ALEMASTER]

There is potential for ticket development - Travelmaster (or Sheffield City Region Ticketing Company to give them their legal name!) run the multi-modal all operator ticket scheme in South Yorkshire and also the Derbyshire Wayfarer all operator bus ticket scheme so would be in a position to introduce new tickets valid in both South Yorkshire and Derbyshire I guess. https://www.sytravelmaster.com/

 

[JKP]

Good to see there is some clarity in the documentation accompanying the announcement. It seems that DCC (unsurprisingly) share my concerns over cross-border services and are pushing for better collaboration than they had with TfGM - which is very positive. It's an interesting statistic that Manchester franchising increased their subsidy burden by 338% for affected services.

It's notable that there doesn't appear to have been any representation from Hulleys - all other local operators and some not currently in the area made submissions...

Glad to see the cross-border services are not going to be franchised, rather they will operate under a permits system.

Frustratingly, the issue of fares on these cross-borders services has not been addressed. I did raise it, but it's not actually mentioned in the report at all from what I can see after a quick skim.

Whose subsidy burden has increased by 338%, Derbyshire or TfGM?

 

[ALEMASTER]

Appendix F seems to show that most cross-border services will be operated under permits.

Would it be possible to arrange the franchising in such a way that whoever gets the contract to operate a certain depot still has the ability to operate services outside the franchising system under the permits scheme?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Mar 2025 ==


Chesterfield voted to join SYMCA when it was originally being formed - although DCC stymied that despite the fact there are strong justifications for us being involved due to the social and economic links.

Similarly, the Hope Valley is in Derbyshire but links are predominantly towards Sheffield.

Ah yes...

Cross-boundary bus services included in the franchising scheme; assumed to operate under a service permit:

• Worksop - Rotherham
• Worksop - Doncaster
• Oaks High School - Misson
• Retford - Doncaster
• Chesterfield - Sheffield
• Mansfield - Sheffield
• Gainsborough - Doncaster
• Doncaster - Retford
• Sheffield - Bakewell
• Sheffield - Eckington - Crystal Peaks
• Sheffield - Castleton
• Castleton - Bradwell - Hathersage - Sheffield
• Haxey - Doncaster
• Scunthorpe - Westwoodside / Doncaster
• Worksop - Rotherham
• Mansfield - Sheffield
• Tideswell - Meadowhall
• Wirksworth - Sheffield
• Scunthorpe - Doncaster
• Sheffield - Matlock
• Halfway - Mansfield
• Mam Tor - Lowedges
• Hope - Ecclesall
• Blyth - Bawtry
• Misson - Bawtry - Retford

I see the Peak Sightseer open top tour feeder bus is on the list!

 

[Teapot42]

I see the Peak Sightseer open top tour feeder bus is on the list!

Presumably due to the cut and paste nature of the list.

Wirksworth to Sheffield for example is no longer a registered service - it was split at Matlock.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Mar 2025 ==

Whose subsidy burden has increased by 338%, Derbyshire or TfGM?

As the response came from DCC (TfGM don't appear to have contributed to the consultation) I would assume it was Derbyshire.

 

[JD2168]

One plus I can see is the operators might not be able to use some of the South Yorkshire depots as a dumping ground for elderly vehicles like the Scania Solars at TM Travel which at over 20 years old should be life expired.

It does also raise questions about some smaller operators like David Goodfellow Travel, Cawthornes Travel, Globe Holidays & various others that do school journeys. Are these going to be able to run these or will it be like Manchester where the larger operators took them over leaving the smaller ones with no work?

 

[RT4038]

Would it be possible to arrange the franchising in such a way that whoever gets the contract to operate a certain depot still has the ability to operate services outside the franchising system under the permits scheme?

It would be, but that will depend on whether there is Depot capacity, and whether the franchised operator wanted to do it. As the Depot will have been 'paid for' by the Franchising Authority for the franchised services, this would give the operator a commercial advantage on the permit routes.

No doubt there could be some mechanism, but there are some significant issues to be worked through.

 

[ALEMASTER]

One plus I can see is the operators might not be able to use some of the South Yorkshire depots as a dumping ground for elderly vehicles like the Scania Solars at TM Travel which at over 20 years old should be life expired.

It does also raise questions about some smaller operators like David Goodfellow Travel, Cawthornes Travel, Globe Holidays & various others that do school journeys. Are these going to be able to run these or will it be like Manchester where the larger operators took them over leaving the smaller ones with no work?

The small operators and specialist services issue is one area where South Yorkshire are planning on doing things differently to Manchester with some small contracts offered separate to the big depot franchises where small/medium size operators, including those from outside South Yorkshire, will be invited to bid for such work.

 

[Andyh82]

The small operators and specialist services issue is one area where South Yorkshire are planning on doing things differently to Manchester with some small contracts offered separate to the big depot franchises where small/medium size operators, including those from outside South Yorkshire, will be invited to bid for such work.

They did small contracts in Manchester as well. The issue was that the big operators won them all

 

[mangad]

They did small contracts in Manchester as well. The issue was that the big operators won them all

Vision Bus won a schools contract. But that was the only one. What we don't know is whether any applied - and it must be said, there weren't that many SMEs left in Greater Manchester. And there's another question - had an SME won a franchise, would they still be a SME at the end of it, or would one of the big groups have tried to buy them out?

Feels like there's three challenges in the SME front:

1. making a system where they want to bid
2. making a system where they're not at a huge disadvantage in bidding against a big operator
3. keeping them as an SME long term.

And that last one is going to be rather a challenge. It may well not even be possible.

 

[Andyh82]

What would work is if all the SMEs clubbed together to pay for a consultant to produce bids for small
Packages covering their own services in each area

This might work in West Yorks as all the SMEs tend to stay in their own areas so they wouldn’t be fighting amongst themselves but in South Yorks the likes of Globe Holidays could realistically operate in any area without much difficulty

 

[TheGuy77]

I like the idea of this, but all the routes seem like they are the same as they are now - hopefully there'll be some shuffling of routes.

 

[SLC001]

Regarding SMEs, the terms and conditions and in particular penalties for poor performance may present too great a financial risk which the larger companies can carry.

 

[TheGuy77]

With the extra £1.5B in funding for South Yorkshire Transport Projects, as well as franchising, I have made a list for improvements for buses:

SHORT-TERM (low-cost):

• Timetable changes to improve punctuality.
• Major consultation on bus route changes and consolidations, similar to that in 2015.
• Announce, and reduce, last-minute bus cancellations.
• Improve customer experience on-board buses (cleanliness, driver friendliness, next-stop PIS screens, USB charging, WIFI)
• Consolidate ticket options.

LONG-TERM (high-cost):

• New, electric bus fleet, featuring technology similar to iBus 2, as well as a rear door for faster exiting and wheelchair access.
• Increased route frequencies, particularly on evenings and Sundays.
• More bus lanes, replacement of bus shelters & stops, using e-ink timetables similar to the ones currently on trial.

Feel free to ask me to add more priorities if need be.

 

[TheGuy77]

Purchasing Sheffield bus depot would mark next step in South Yorkshire franchising plan

The next step in South Yorkshire’s bus franchising process will involve buying a key bus depot in Sheffield.

www.thestar.co.uk

A new report outlines “a twin track approach” involving both negotiations and a potential compulsory purchase of the Olive Grove Bus Depot. The site is set to play a central role in the rollout of the so-called Tranche 1 bus services.

Bus franchising seems to start to happen as SYMCA are appearing to make a CPO on Olive Grove Depot, as well as hiring a 'Head of Franchised Networks':

https://www.monster.co.uk/job-openings/head-of-franchised-networks-sheffield-south-yorkshire--53d03e77-3cc1-4306-9fe8-7f2c3a15be50

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is leading a bold and ambitious transformation of the region’s public transport system. As we move towards the delivery of a franchised bus network, we are seeking a strategic leader to join our Bus Reform team. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a modern, integrated, and customer-focused transport network that connects people to jobs, education, and opportunity—while supporting economic growth, sustainability, and social inclusion.

As Head of Franchised Networks, you will play a central role in designing the future of South Yorkshire’s bus network. You will lead the “Future Networks and Integration” workstream within the Bus Franchising Programme. Your work will be critical in ensuring that the new franchised network is not only operationally and commercially viable, but also seamlessly integrated with tram, rail, and active travel modes.

You will be responsible for developing a network that reflects the needs and aspirations of South Yorkshire’s communities, businesses, and local authorities. This includes leading stakeholder engagement, overseeing network reviews, and ensuring that the customer voice is embedded in every stage of the design process. You will also provide strategic advice to senior leaders and represent SYMCA at a regional level, helping to build consensus and drive forward our vision for a world-class transport system.

 

[Simon75]

What about other depots in South Yorkshire, I guess they will go the same way ?

 

[TheGuy77]

What about other depots in South Yorkshire, I guess they will go the same way ?

Probably so. It's said that franchising will start in Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster by 2027 and in Barnsley by 2029, so I presume they will be buying First's depots to start with and then Stagecoach.

 

[TheGuy77]

Architects begin redesign work on six South Yorkshire bus depots

Six major bus depots across South Yorkshire are set to be redesigned as part of preparations for a publicly controlled network.

www.thestar.co.uk

Six major bus depots across South Yorkshire are set to be redesigned as part of preparations for a publicly controlled network.
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has appointed architects to produce feasibility designs for depots in Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster. The studies will examine how each site can be adapted for the region’s planned franchising model and made ready for a future fleet of electric buses.
The six depots identified are:

• Olive Grove, Sheffield
• Ecclesfield, Sheffield
• Holbrook, Sheffield
• Rawmarsh, Rotherham
• Wakefield Road, Barnsley
• Leger Way, Doncaster

Officials say the work will look at the condition and layout of each depot, testing whether they can be modernised or if more extensive redevelopment is needed. The feasibility designs will also set out how charging infrastructure and other upgrades for zero-emission vehicles could be installed.
The Mayor of South Yorkshire and SYMCA agreed in March to implement bus franchising, following a public consultation.
The model is underpinned by public ownership of depots, which leaders say will create a level playing field for bus operators bidding for contracts.
Olive Grove in Sheffield, currently used by First Bus, has been described as “critical” to the first phase of franchising because of its size and central location.
Once the designs are complete, SYMCA will decide whether individual depots should be refurbished, partially rebuilt or, if necessary, redeveloped entirely. Any works are expected to be carried out by the current operators under the combined authority’s oversight.

Appears that SYMCA are making some more progress with redesigning the bus depots. Surprised that TM's Depot in Halfway has no mention here though... It looks like it's on its last legs!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Architects begin redesign work on six South Yorkshire bus depots

Six major bus depots across South Yorkshire are set to be redesigned as part of preparations for a publicly controlled network.

www.thestar.co.uk

Appears that SYMCA are making some more progress with redesigning the bus depots. Surprised that TM's Depot in Halfway has no mention here though... It looks like it's on its last legs!

No suitable for electrics? Too much work to do? Leased to an owner who wants to redevelop? Too small (relatively)?

Many possible reasons.

 

[tbtc]

TM Travel's depot at Halfway is also a two minute drive from the Stagecoach depot at Holbrook

I don't know whether SY is doing the small packages that GM tried to do (which were generally swallowed up by the big boys anyway) but it may be that Halfway isn't kept

A lot of their work (and some Stagecoach stuff like the 73/74) are predominantly/fully over the border in the East Midlands, so would come under that franchising region (plus the Flix stuff etc)

Or it could be that the ones listed are the six biggest depots in the region and they need to look at these before assessing the needs at South Pennine/ TM/ Globe etc (plus any scope for new depots, like southern/central Rotherham?)

Or maybe the expected PVR savings (plus the space freed up by Olive Grove no longer being a dumping ground for random First vehicles) means these six depots will be sufficient

At least they are taking a good game about modernisation , for now

 

[TheGuy77]

South Yorkshire bus franchising operator day set for 12 November - routeone

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority pre-market engagement day is for bus operators ahead of procurement of franchising contracts.

www.route-one.net

Pre-market engagement event in Sheffield will enable potential bidders to learn more of plans.​

On 12 November the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) will stage a bus franchising pre-market engagement day for potential bidders for contracts to deliver those services. The gathering will be held in Sheffield at a venue yet to be confirmed.​

It comes as 5 September 2027 has been set as the go-live date for commencement of the first franchised bus services in the region. Mayor Oliver Coppard made the decision to go with reregulation earlier in 2025.
At the pre-market engagement day, existing bus operators in South Yorkshire and potential newcomers will gain early insight into route and fleet plans and procurement timelines. They will be able to meet the SYMCA bus team and understand why South Yorkshire represents “a significant opportunity for investment.”
The Combined Authority has made clear that it is interested in seeing bus operators from outside the UK take part in bidding. The formal procurement process will commence later in 2025 with the first franchised services to run in Doncaster and Sheffield.
It adds that since Mr Coppard made his decision, SYMCA officers have been preparing to deliver franchised services. A contract was recently awarded for depot feasibility work for six operating centres tied to large contracts as part of that readiness work.
Speaking about the pre-market engagement day, SYMCA Director of Bus Reform Matt Goggins says: “We have been clear from the beginning that we want the very best for South Yorkshire when it comes to bus franchising.
“We know many parts of the UK are going through a similar process right now, but we think South Yorkshire has something special to offer. I would encourage operators of all sizes, regardless of where they are based, to register a place to see firsthand what we are trying to achieve and explore how they can be part of it.”
Operators interested in attending should register their interest by completing this form.

It appears that a pre-market engagement day is set to happen in Sheffield on 12 November. I presume that TM Travel's routes will be dissolved into other existing or potential operators?

 

[ALEMASTER]

Another public consultation/survey...

This one about the new fleet to be ordered under franchising, accessibility and changes.

Bus Fleet and Network Services Survey - South Yorkshire MCA

We are bringing buses back under public control. We want to hear from residents across South Yorkshire about how we can design better buses that are accessible for everyone. A public survey asking for people’s views is running between...

www.southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk

 

[busesnco]

https://southyorkshire-ca.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s19629/12.%20Bus%20Franchising%20Update%20-%20November%20MCA%20Board.pdf

Update on bus franchising published yesterday. Includes lots of info about timescales and new bus fleet.