The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has confirmed plans to transition the region’s bus network to a franchised model, ending decades of deregulation. The decision follows a public consultation in which 87% of respondents supported the move.
Under the new system, SYMCA will control depots, fleets, fares, ticketing, and service standards across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield. The first phase of publicly controlled services will launch in September 2027, with full implementation by July 2029.
The franchising model will include large contracts for major operators and smaller contracts to encourage SME participation. SYMCA has allocated £350 million from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (2027-32) for fleet renewal and depot acquisition, alongside £5 million in transitional funding for 2025/26.
This move follows the public takeover of South Yorkshire’s Supertram last year and aligns with the region’s plan for an integrated transport system. SYMCA acknowledges financial risks beyond 2042 when a second fleet renewal cycle may create annual deficits, which it plans to offset through earlier surpluses.
The transition will wind down the South Yorkshire Enhanced Partnership Scheme, impacting existing operators like First South Yorkshire, Stagecoach Yorkshire, and TM Travel as they adapt to the new contract-based model.
Katharine Hammond has been appointed Chief Executive of SYMCA, with a salary of £220,000 per year. A full report on the consultation and the authority’s response is available on SYMCA’s website.
