£29.8 million bus scheme launches

First South Yorkshire launched the X1 Steel Link on Sunday, which will run on the new bus rapid transit (BRT) Tinsley Link over the River Don and under Tinsley Viaduct in an attempt to avoid congestion.

The service will operate every ten minutes and transport bosses said it would provide quicker journey times between Rotherham, Sheffield and Meadowhall.

Chris Roberts, South Yorkshire Passenger and Transport Executive’s principal public transport manager, said: “Together with project partners, we are delighted to introduce the X1 Steel Link as part of South Yorkshire’s innovative BRT North scheme. 

“Passengers on the new service can expect reliable, high quality, low-emission connections between Rotherham and Sheffield, and journey benefits from bus priority traffic control and purpose built bus stops with real-time information along the new route.”

Cllr Denise Lelliott, Rotherham Borough Council’s Cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, said: “The X1 Steel Link will give residents of Maltby and Wickersley a direct and frequent service to Rotherham, Meadowhall and Sheffield. 

“Great value fares and high quality buses will offer an alternative to the car for Rotherham residents.”

For more information visit www.firstgroup.com/southyorkshire.