The mayor of the Sheffield City Region has launched a review into the bus market in the area, following an 18% fall in passenger numbers across South Yorkshire over the last decade.
Clive Betts MP (pictured below) will chair the review. The experienced MP is also chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee.
Mayor Dan Jarvis said: 'We need to understand the reasons for declining passenger numbers and take action where improvements are needed.
'More than a quarter of households in South Yorkshire don't have access to a car, and many people want to reduce the number of journeys by - not least to travel in a greener, more active and more sustainable way.
He added that Mr Betts' review will provide 'recommendations and identify improvements' with the aim of delivering 'more environmentally friendly buses, more routes and more passengers'.
Mr Betts said: 'I’m looking forward to working with others to gather evidence from a variety of stakeholders, interest groups and members of the public and providing recommendations to the mayor on how he could take steps to improve the public transport system and ensure it's fit for the 21st century.'
Under the Bus Services Act, franchising powers are available automatically to directly elected mayors like Mr Jarvis.
This means the authority can decide what buses services run where and when, the types of ticket available including discounts for apprentices or other passengers as required, what types of payment must be accepted including smart and contactless and what information is available to passengers.
A franchising system is already used in London.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
