A new publicly-owned transport system, called the South Yorkshire People’s Network (SYPN), is set to be announced.
Mayor Oliver Coppard described this as a “once in a generation” opportunity that will mark the end of the “failed privatisation of buses, with a vision that brings a myriad of plans, proposals and directives under one brand.”
Key plans include a new design for South Yorkshire transportation, inspired by a molten orange and charcoal grey colour scheme alongside a new logo, a tracing of the route from Sheffield through to Rotherham.
He set out his 15-year-plan for South Yorkshire transport, starting in September 2027 with the creation of the Magna train station and extension of tram tracks to Rotherham.
From 2027, there will be a £350m investment in buses with the new colour scheme, which will also represent a unified system with simpler and more affordable fares.
Around 900 e-bikes will be introduced across Sheffield, with a subscription scheme to provide access.
There will be passenger flights to Doncaster/Sheffield airport by 2028, enhanced by better bus and tram transit links to connect all of South Yorkshire.
From 2030 to 2034, Mayor Coppard hopes to make the most of the governments £500m investment into trams to bring a new fleet capable of holding dogs and bikes.
Train links will also be improved by 2035, with plans established to make all stations step-free, trains running from Leeds to Sheffield every hour, and improved connections between rural and urban routes.
By 2040, the network aims to transform transport to Manchester, cutting travel times and make South Yorkshire transport a defining feature of the region and the “envy of the world.”
